Logic of conversation
Inferring the pragmatic meaning of a semantic utterance requires to go beyond the
information given.
"In making these inferences, speakers and listeners rely on a set of tacit assumptions
that govern the conduct of conversation in everyday life"
(Schwarz, 1994, p. 124).
According to
Grice (1975)
these assumptions can be expressed by four maxims which constitute the "co-operative principle".
"First, a maxim of quantity demands that contributions are as informative as required, but
not more informative than required. Second, a maxim of quality requires participants to
provide no information they believe is false or lack adequate evidence for. Third, according
to a maxim of relation, contributors need to be relevant for the aims of the ongoing
interaction. Finally, a maxim of manner states that contributors should be clear, rather
than obscure or ambiguous"
(Bless, Strack & Schwarz, 1993, p. 151).
These maxims have been demonstrated to have a pronounced impact of how individuals perceive
and react to semantically presented social situations and problem scenarios.
See also:
information processing,
representation,
social cognition,
social psychology
Literature:
Bless, Strack & Schwarz (1993),
Grice (1975),
Schwarz (1994)
