What the study found
The paper argues for Reinachian internalism about speech acts: a speech act can be performed even if the addressee does not take it up. The author contrasts this with externalism, which treats uptake by the hearer as necessary for the act to exist as a speech act.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that internalism is preferable because externalism conflicts with three claims they treat as important: avoiding retroactive changes to an act's nature, distinguishing performance from mere attempt, and separating motivating from normative reasons. The study suggests this is a better account of what it is for a speech act to be performed.
What the researchers tested
This is a philosophical argument article rather than an empirical study. It first distinguishes between the performance of a speech act, described as an atomic event, and its product, described as a continuant, and then presents three arguments in defense of Reinach's view.
What worked and what didn't
The paper argues that internalism avoids the metaphysical problem of an act's nature changing retroactively based on later events. It also argues that internalism better distinguishes performing a speech act from merely trying to perform one, and preserves the difference between motivating and normative reasons.
What to keep in mind
The abstract provides no empirical data or experiments, so the claims are defended by philosophical argument alone. No limitations are described in the available summary beyond the scope of the conceptual debate.
Key points
- The paper defends Reinachian internalism about speech acts.
- It argues that uptake by the addressee is not required for a speech act to be performed.
- The author contrasts performance of a speech act with its product, calling the former an atomic event and the latter a continuant.
- Three arguments are offered against externalism: no retroactive change in an act's nature, a clearer performance/attempt distinction, and a distinction between motivating and normative reasons.
- The article is a philosophical defense, not an empirical study.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Reinachian internalism is defended against externalism
- Authors:
- Alessandro Salice
- Institutions:
- University College Cork
- Publication date:
- 2026-03-14
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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