Philosophy Now
The Linguistic Wizardry of Ludwig Wittgenstein
Jun 22, 2014
Guest Daniel Hutto discusses Ludwig Wittgenstein's theories of language and its limits. Topics include Wittgenstein's shift in understanding language, the distinction between measurable and factual claims, Wittgenstein's picture theory of language, the meaning and use of language, and the critique of a private language.
56:33
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Wittgenstein's later theory focused on language as a set of games with various uses, emphasizing understanding how words function in our lives and the different circumstances in which they are used.
- Wittgenstein repudiated his early theory of language due to challenges of contradictions and the assumption of elementary propositions, prompting a questioning of the foundations of his earlier views.
Deep dives
Wittgenstein's Two Theories of Language
Wittgenstein's early theory of language, as presented in his book The Tractatus, suggested that language represents the world. However, his later theory, as seen in Philosophical Investigations, focused on language as a set of games with various uses. This shift in theories posed questions about the nature of logic and the meaning of words. The later theory emphasized understanding how words function in our lives and the different circumstances in which they are used.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
