How does human language contribute to the cognitive edge humans have over other species? This question eludes most current theories of language and knowledge. Incorporating research results in psychology and cutting a path through a broad range of philosophical debates, Nolan develops a strikingly original account of language acquisition which holds important implications for standard theories of language and the philosophical foundations of cognitive science.

Rita Nolan is Professor of Philosophy at the State University of New York at Stony Brook. She has written on topics in the philosophy of language, social epistemology, and Wittgenstein.