What are the four maxims of conversation according to Paul Grice?

The four maxims of conversation formulated by Paul Grice are indeed the maxim of quantity, maxim of quality, maxim of relation, and maxim of manner. These maxims serve as guidelines for effective and cooperative communication.

The maxim of quantity suggests that speakers should provide the right amount of information—no more, no less—so that their communication is informative without being overwhelming. The maxim of quality emphasizes the importance of truthfulness, urging speakers not to say what they believe to be false or for which they lack sufficient evidence. The maxim of relation encourages speakers to be relevant in their contributions to the conversation, ensuring that comments make sense within the context of the discussion. Lastly, the maxim of manner calls for clarity and orderliness in communication, requiring that speakers avoid ambiguity and be as concise as possible.

Grice's maxims are fundamental in understanding conversational implicature and how participants in a dialogue can infer meaning beyond the literal interpretation of words. These principles underline the collaborative nature of conversation, where participants are expected to adhere to certain norms to facilitate understanding and effective exchange of ideas.