Amelioration as Course Correction

Abstract

Abstract Ameliorative inferences are normally read as practical: let w henceforth mean n, because n is somehow better than (its earlier meaning) m. So, let “meat” have a meaning that holds of Impossible Burgers. We suggest a theoretical reading: w does mean N, because M (once thought to be the meaning) is problematic. Supporting the theoretical reading is a metasemantic principle of reference electromagnetism, according to which words are repelled by unfortunate meanings and gravitate towards fortunate ones. Metasemantic electromagnetism falls naturally out of Davidsonian/Lewisian principles of charitable interpretation. Speakers are lovers of the good; otherwise, we couldn’t make sense of them. But it may take a while for the good to reveal itself.