Relevance: Communication and Cognition

by Sperber and Wilson, D.
Relevance: Communication and Cognition cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Technical
  • ID: 3912
  • Added: 2025-10-20
  • Updated: 2025-10-20
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
Retorica e Pragmatica · 2025-10-20
insightful 4.00

The book is celebrated for its insightful exploration of comprehension as a process of inference guided by relevance, though some find the arguments convoluted and hard to follow.

Wilson and Sperber's exploration of comprehension as a process of inference guided by relevance is highly praised for its depth and originality. The book offers a fresh perspective on how we understand and interpret information, making it a valuable read for those interested in cognitive science and linguistics. However, the complexity of the arguments can be a hurdle for some readers, leading to a sense of confusion or frustration. The book's theoretical density means that it may not be easily accessible to casual readers, but for those willing to engage deeply with the material, it offers profound insights. The overall reception is positive, with a recognition of the book's significant contributions to the field.

Quick quotes

    How can comprehension ever be achieved?

    Wilson and Sperber argue that comprehension is a process of inference guided by precise expectations of relevance.

    The principle of relevance is essential to explaining human communication.

Amazon · 2025-10-20
ambitious 4.50

The book is praised for its ambitious attempt to unify cognitive science, but some readers find the theory complex and dense. The principles of relevance are seen as groundbreaking but challenging to grasp fully.

This book aims to lay the foundation for a unified theory of cognitive science, which is a bold and ambitious goal. Many readers appreciate the innovative approach and the depth of the arguments presented. However, the complexity of the theory can make it difficult to follow, especially for those not deeply versed in cognitive science. The principle of relevance is highlighted as a significant contribution to the field, offering a new lens through which to understand human communication. Yet, some find the density of the text a barrier to full comprehension, suggesting that it might be best suited for academics or those with a strong background in the subject matter.

Quick quotes

    The book sets out to lay the foundation for a unified theory of cognitive science.

    The authors argue than human cognition has a goal.

    The principle of relevance is essential to explaining human communication.

ResearchGate · 2025-08-10
theoretical 3.50

The book is noted for its comprehensive exploration of human communication and cognition, but it is criticized for being overly theoretical and lacking practical applications.

Sperber and Wilson's work is commended for its thorough examination of human communication, particularly verbal communication, within the broader context of cognition. The theoretical framework presented is seen as a significant step forward in understanding how we process and interpret information. However, some critics argue that the book leans too heavily on theory without providing clear, practical applications. This can make the content feel abstract and detached from real-world scenarios, which might limit its accessibility to a broader audience. Despite this, the book is valued for its scholarly contributions and its potential to influence future research in the field.

Quick quotes

    Sperber and Wilson attempt to ground the study of human communication on a general view of human cognition.

    This document summarizes a review of the book 'Relevance: Communication and Cognition' by Dan Sperber and Deirdre Wilson.

    The review notes that the book sets out to lay the foundation for a unified theory of cognitive.

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