Gricean Cooperative Principle

Paul Grice (1975): The cooperative principle There are 4 Maxims: a. Quantity b.Quality c.Relation d.Manner

The co-operative principle QUANTITY: make your contribution as informative as required, but not more or less than required

Example of maxim Quantity: Background: A friend's father considers whether or not to buy your friend's old car, and you are aware that your friend's old car has broken down before. A:Should I buy your friend's used car? B -Improper: Yeah, that sounds like a good idea, his car runs fine. B -Proper: I don't know if that's such a good idea, his car breaks down all the time.

QUALITY: do not say which you believe to be false or for which you lack evidence

Example of maxim Quality: Background: A man stops his vehicle in the middle of the road to briefly ask you for directions. A: Where is the post office? B Improper: There are two in town, but the closest one is brand new. Down the road, about 50 meters past the second left. Also, you shouldn't stop your car in the middle of the road anymore. Not far. B Proper: Continue on, and make the second left up there. You'll see it.

[2] Wife to husband: ‘One of the trout you were fishing for last weekend phoned and left her number. [3] A one-eyed man is watching a movie at the cinema. At once, the man sitting next to him tells him: “I’m away for a moment. Would you please keep an eye on my seat?” The one-eyed wonders: “And how can I watch the movie then?”

RELATION: be relevant

Example of maxim of relation 1: A: How are you doing in school? B -Improper: What fine weather we're having lately! B -Proper: Not so well, I'm afraid. I'd rather not discuss it. B Proper: Mind your own business.

Example of maxim of relation 2: A: (Noticeably indicating boredom) Ugh, I wonder what time it is... B Improper: It's 6:30. B imProper: It's 6:30. So, you have the whole night ahead of you! Have you eaten at Harry's before? B Proper: It's 6:30, I have a meeting to go to at 7:00, but maybe you'd like to do something afterwards?

  A conversation between a shopkeeper and a 16-year old customer wanted to buy beer: Customer: Just these, please. Shopkeeper: Are you eighteen? Customer: Oh, I'm from Middlesbrough. Shopkeeper: (after a brief pause) OK (serves beer to him).

MANNER: be clear, brief and orderly

A: Let’s get the kids something. In the following exchange, B flouts the maxim of manner, thereby implying that an open discussion of the ice cream is not desired: A: Let’s get the kids something. B: Okay, but I veto I-C-E C-R-E-A-M-S. In the following exchange, B flouts the maxim of manner, thereby implying that an open discussion of the ice cream is not desired: A: Let’s get the kids something. B: Okay, but I veto I-C-E C-R-E-A-M-S. Note: the word “Veto” means: 1. to  reject (a proposed bill or enactment) by exercising a veto. 2. to prohibit emphatically.

Example of maxim of manner: Rancho: “ Instruments that record analyze summarize organize debate and explain information which are illustrative non-illustrative hardbound paperback jacketed non-jacketed with forward introduction, table of contents, index that are indented for the enlightenment, understanding enrichment enhancement and education of the human brain through sensory root of vision... sometimes leisure Machine Class Professor: [confused] What are you trying to say? Rancho: Books sir! I forgot to take my books. LOL!!! The movie is just so awesome! :D