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.
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.
Wittgenstein's philosophy highlights the role of philosophy as therapy, encouraging a closer examination of language and its use, and challenging fixed notions and assumptions about reality.
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.
Challenges with Wittgenstein's Early Theory
In his early theory, Wittgenstein faced challenges in terms of contradictions and the assumption of elementary propositions. The idea that logic had to be non-contradictory and built on elementary propositions created difficulties. These issues led Wittgenstein to question the foundations of his early theory and eventually repudiate it.
Language Games and Meaning
Wittgenstein's later theory centered around the concept of language games, where language is used in various activities such as giving orders, asking questions, or expressing feelings. The meaning of words is based on their use in different language games and forms of life. Wittgenstein emphasized that the meaning of a word is its use and that understanding language requires examining the circumstances in which it is used.
Language as Therapy
Wittgenstein's later philosophy also introduced the idea of philosophy as therapy. Rather than producing theories or arguments, Wittgenstein aimed to address assumptions and clarify our understanding of language. He encouraged looking at language in our everyday activities and questioning the assumptions underlying our use of language.
Implications of Wittgenstein's Thinking
Wittgenstein's ideas prompt us to reconsider our assumptions and engage in a closer examination of language and its use. He challenges fixed notions, such as the inviolability of private experiences or the nature of mind, encouraging us to critically analyze our understanding of reality. Wittgenstein's philosophy highlights the role of philosophy in rethinking basic assumptions and engaging in a deeper understanding of language and meaning.
Ludwig Wittgenstein worked out how language has meaning, twice. He also thought that some of the most important things we can know we can’t express at all. Grant Bartley from Philosophy Now finds out the meaning and limits of language from guest Daniel Hutto from the University of Wollongong, NSW. First broadcast on 22 June 2014 on Resonance FM.
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