ABSTRACT
Two contributions to the philosophy of language have been extremely influential in the development of pragmatics: Searle’s speech act theory and Grice’s analysis of conversation. The relationship they bear to each other is very close, but not entirely free from conflicts that occasionally emerge. Over the years, I came to suspect that, behind the petty quarrels that often arise between close relatives, there may lie some serious divergences, hampering the harmony of a marriage all pragmaticists wish to be happy and fruitful. Unfortunately, such a wish has led pragmaticists to overlook the import of these divergences. Bringing them to light – I believe – will help to correct some confusions, to improve mutual understanding, and to promote peace in the pragmatic family.
