Nonpropositional

Nonpropositional describes content, knowledge, or utterances that are not framed as propositions that can be true or false. In philosophy, it is used to contrast with propositional content, which is truth-apt and expressible by declarative statements. The term appears in discussions across epistemology, linguistics, and cognitive science to mark different kinds of mental states, information, or communicative acts.

In epistemology, nonpropositional knowledge, often called know-how or procedural knowledge, refers to understanding or ability that cannot be readily captured by a proposition like “I know that X.” It includes skills, techniques, and practical competencies such as riding a bicycle, playing a musical instrument, or tying a knot. This type of knowledge is typically seen as distinct from propositional knowledge, which centers on justified true beliefs about facts.

In linguistics and philosophy of language, nonpropositional content encompasses utterances whose primary function is not to state a truth-conditional proposition but to perform an action or convey a mood. Commands, requests, questions, and exclamations are examples, carrying illocutionary force rather than a truth value. Some analyses also consider perception, emotion, and other experiential states as carrying nonpropositional content that supplements or resists straightforward proposition-like representation.

In cognitive science and sensory psychology, nonpropositional content can refer to implicit or tacit aspects of mental representation that accompany conscious states and influence behavior without being readily articulate as propositions.

Overall, the notion of nonpropositional helps distinguish kinds of content—from practical know-how to expressive or directive speech—that do not fit neatly into a truth-conditional, proposition-based framework.