maxims of conversation

A term derived from the work of the philosopher H. P. Grice (1913–88), and now widely cited in PRAGMATICS research. The maxims are general principles which are thought to underlie the efficient use of LANGUAGE, and which together identify a general CO-OPERATIVE PRINCIPLE. Four basic maxims are recognized. The maxim of quality states that speakers’ contributions ought to be true – specifically, that they should not say what they believe to be false, nor should they say anything for which they lack adequate evidence. The maxim of quantity states that the contribution should be as informative as is required for the current purposes of the exchange, and should not be unnecessarily informative. The maxim of relevance states that contributions should be relevant to the purpose of the exchange. The maxim of manner states that the contribution should be perspicuous – in particular, that it should be orderly and brief, avoiding obscurity and AMBIGUITY. The ideas underlying the maxims have since been developed within RELEVANCE THEORY.