inferentialism
Inferentialism is a philosophical theory that emphasizes the role of inferences in understanding meaning and knowledge. It suggests that the meaning of a statement is determined by the inferences that can be drawn from it, rather than by its correspondence to reality. This approach highlights the importance of context and the relationships between different statements in forming our understanding.
In inferentialism, the focus is on how individuals use reasoning to connect ideas and draw conclusions. This perspective is often associated with the work of philosophers like Robert Brandom, who argues that language and thought are fundamentally about making inferences. By prioritizing inference, inferentialism offers a framework for analyzing how we communicate and understand each other.