Interpretation and Rationality: Developing Donald Davidson's Ideas in International Political Theory. Issue 167 (1st June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gudalov, Nikolay
• Is Part Of: Theoria. Volume 68:Issue 167(2021)
• Page Start: 39
• Page End: 65
• Publication Date: 2021-06-01
• Subjects: communication -- Donald Davidson -- international political theory -- interpretation -- post-positivism -- rationalism -- rationality; Arts -- Periodicals; Humanities -- Periodicals; Social sciences -- Periodicals; Political science -- Periodicals; 082
• DOI: 10.3167/th.2021.6816702
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0040-5817

Abstract

Abstract: Although influential in philosophy and relevant to international political theory's (IPT) key concerns, Donald Davidson has not received commensurate attention in IPT. I aim here to commence filling this gap. I explore Davidson's insights which fruitfully challenge established disciplinary views. The notions of rationality, objectivity and truth, and, on the other hand, those of intersubjectivity, language and interpretation are often needlessly separated and constricted by seemingly alternative approaches. Davidson firmly reconnects these notions. He helps rethink the realist, strong post-positivist, but also liberal, 'thin' constructivist and critical (not thoroughly contextualist) approaches. He bridges the normative cosmopolitan–communitarian distinction. Eventually, Davidson laid foundations for a perspective foregrounding possibilities for rational communication and agreement between very different contexts and also for the non-dogmatic, pluralist and dynamic nature of communication itself.