# Meaning Is An Objective Property Objective Existence of Explanations: Deutsch emphasizes that scientific knowledge consists of explanations and that these explanations can be objectively true or false. He would argue that meaning is tied to these objective explanations. If an explanation is a good one, meaning emerges through that explanatory framework. If an explanation is bad, then the meaning derived from that explanation will also be poor. Meaning is Not Pre-Existing: Deutsch does not believe that there is some pre-existing "meaning" that is waiting to be discovered or interpreted. Instead, meaning arises through the process of creating explanations. When we interpret something, we are essentially constructing a theory about what it is and how it works. Thus, the meaning of an object is derived from the best available explanation of it, and not a pre-existing, objective meaning. For David Deutsch, "Meaning is an objective property of things in the world, not something that we impose onto them." - **Objective Existence of Meaning:** Deutsch posits that meaning is not a subjective construct but an objective feature of reality. This means that **meaning exists independently of any observer or interpreter**, just as other physical properties do. This view contrasts with the idea that meaning is merely a human interpretation or a cultural convention. - **Meaning as a Real Attribute:** According to Deutsch, concepts like beauty, right and wrong, and mathematical truths exist objectively, although not physically. They are real attributes of objects, behaviors, or ideas. Similarly, **meaning is a real attribute that inheres in a thing or process**, and not something assigned to it by an observer. This perspective challenges the notion that meaning is solely a product of our minds. - **Meaning and Explanation:** Deutsch emphasizes the importance of explanation in understanding reality. The meaning of something, according to this view, is intimately connected to its explanation. **A thing's meaning is not arbitrary but arises from the underlying structure and the way it interacts with other things within a system of explanations**. For example, the meaning of a scientific theory lies not only in its predictive power but also in its ability to explain the underlying mechanisms of reality. - **Meaning Through Structure and Behavior:** Deutsch argues that an entity’s meaning can be found in its structure and behavior. For example, the structure of a DNA molecule carries meaning in its specific sequence, which is highly adapted and essential for its replication. The behavior of a system (like the weather, or the economy) can also hold meaning through its patterns and interactions. These **patterns are not just imposed by the observer, but are inherent properties of the system itself**. - **Discovery not Invention:** Because meaning is objective, it is something that is discovered, not something that is invented. This idea contrasts with the view of postmodernism, where meaning is often seen as subjective and constructed by individuals or cultures . For Deutsch, understanding or finding meaning is an act of **revealing an already existing truth rather than an act of creation**. - **Meaning vs. Internal Simulation:** Deutsch differentiates between genuine interpretation and internally generated experiences. While our brains can generate virtual reality simulations, these are distinct from the meanings inherent in the world. Therefore, **imposing a simulation onto an object is not the same as understanding the object's inherent meaning**. - **The "Kicking Back" Criterion:** The concept of "kicking back" is crucial. This means that **an entity’s realness is evident when it affects us in a way that requires an independent explanation**. Meaning is a part of this "kicking back", and when an object affects our senses or minds in a complex, autonomous way, this reflects its real existence and also its inherent, objective meaning. - **Objective vs. Subjective:** When we understand the laws of physics, we are understanding real phenomena. When we understand a mathematical theorem, we are understanding a real abstraction. When we understand moral values, we are also understanding objective attributes of objectives and behaviors. **These different types of understanding are about things that are real, objective, and independent of our minds.** This implies that meaning is tied to the realness and objective attributes of these things. - **Relevance to Interpretation:** Genuine interpretation involves engaging with the pre-existing, objective meaning of something. It is not about imposing our own meaning onto it but rather discovering the meaning that is already there. **This highlights the importance of approaching interpretation with the goal of uncovering rather than creating**. In summary, for David Deutsch, **meaning is an objective property inherent in the fabric of reality.** It is derived from the underlying structure, behavior, and interactions of things, and it's independent of subjective interpretation. **It is something to be discovered, not invented**, and it's tied to the realness and complexity of the world. This view has implications for how we understand knowledge, interpretation, and the nature of reality itself. --- Date: 20250128 Links to: Tags: References: * []()