Abstract

In this paper, I have explicated the logical relation between the Maxims and the Cooperative Principle (CP, hereafter) as stipulated in Grice's theory of conversation. First, by showing the existence of cases where the CP is followed but the relevant maxim is not, I have shown that those maxims are logically independent from the CP. Second, the Maxim of Relation (MR, hereafter) has been misleadingly conceived to provide the basic notion of "relevance" for the theory of conversation. But, when a speaker, while deviating from the MR, or failing to "be relevant" literally, still follow the context in some sense or other, it must be another kind of "relevance" that is highlighted. That kind of "relevance" in conversation is required by the CP. I have called this kind of relevance CONNECTEDNESS as opposed to the RELEVANCE as required by the MR.