Cavell elaborates the view, traceable from Wittgenstein to Davidson, that there is no thought, and thus no meaning, without language, and shows how this concurs with psychoanalytic theory and practice. Cavell's argument takes up several issues of continuing interest to both philosophers and psychoanalysts, including the explanation of action, especially irrational action, the concept of subjectivity, the minds of children, the genealogy of morals, and narration in "life stories."

"Any psychologist interested in a deeper understanding of what it means to think in terms of unconscious processes will want to read Cavell's book." - Contemporary Psychology

"An outstanding introduction to modern perspectives of psychoanalysis and philosophy and the synthesis of meaning and mind that they share." - Antioch Review