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An Illuminating Exchange The Construction of Social Reality

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  • Barry Smith
  • John Searle

Abstract

ABSTRACT . In his The Construction of Social Reality, Searle presents an account of rights, responsibilities, obligations, duties, and similar entities in terms of the formula X counts as Y in context C, where “X” refers in the simplest case to some physical object or event and “Y” to the result of imposing upon X some deontic power or function. Smith attempts to show the limitations of this formula, focusing especially on the examples of contested property rights (where C is not uniquely defined), and of money in bank accounts and other phenomena (where no physical X‐term is available). Searle responds to these criticisms, above all by pointing to the fact that some of the problems Smith raises are to be addressed not by an ontological analysis of social reality but rather through legal or political means.

Suggested Citation

  • Barry Smith & John Searle, 2003. "An Illuminating Exchange The Construction of Social Reality," American Journal of Economics and Sociology, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 62(1), pages 285-309, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:ajecsc:v:62:y:2003:i:1:p:285-309
    DOI: 10.1111/1536-7150.t01-1-00012
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    Cited by:

    1. Javier Leonardo Garay Vargas & Juan Bautista Pavajeau, 2021. "Ideas erradas, acciones equivocadas : cómo el contexto internacional impide la generación de desarrollo," Books, Universidad Externado de Colombia, Facultad de Finanzas, Gobierno y Relaciones Internacionales, number 151, April.
    2. Denisa Alexandra CHIFAN & Beatrice Ionela IPSALAT, 2023. "Trust, Money And Business System: Unexplored Connections," Proceedings of the INTERNATIONAL MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE, Faculty of Management, Academy of Economic Studies, Bucharest, Romania, vol. 17(1), pages 693-706, November.

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