Philosophy's linguistic turn: Was it a mistake? | Hilary Lawson, Michael Potter, John Searle
Jun 25, 2024
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Join post-realist philosopher Hilary Lawson, professor of logic Michael Potter, and philosopher of language John Searle as they debate the impact of philosophy's linguistic turn. They delve into language's role in shaping reality, exploring whether it hinders our understanding or enhances it. From analyzing sentences about non-existent objects to discussing the uniqueness of human language, this podcast challenges traditional perceptions of language in philosophy.
Language shapes our perception of reality, sparking debates on its accuracy.
Philosophers explore how language structures cognition, creating shared realities beyond perception.
Deep dives
Exploring the Linguistic Turn in Philosophy
The discussion delves into the concept of the linguistic turn in philosophy, questioning whether language hinders or aids in understanding reality. It examines how language shapes our perception of the world and debates whether language accurately reflects reality or distorts it. The linguist philosophers explore the relationship between language, thought, and the external world, pondering the role of language in constructing our understanding of reality and its limitations.
Unveiling the Generative Power of Language
The panel discusses language's unique ability to generate new expressions and concepts, distinguishing our linguistic capacity from other species. They highlight the generative nature of human language, enabling us to create and communicate complex ideas that transcend immediate perception. The conversation underscores the fundamental role of language in human cognition, emphasizing how language structures our experiences and contributes to the creation of shared realities.
Navigating Small Questions and Big Questions in Philosophy
In examining the philosophy of language, the debate shifts between addressing small questions within specific frameworks and tackling overarching existential inquiries. The speakers deliberate on the balance between solving localized philosophical puzzles and confronting larger metaphysical questions about language, reality, and human existence. They grapple with the challenge of aligning detailed linguistic analyses with fundamental questions concerning the nature of reality and language.
Charting the Future of Philosophical Inquiry
The panelists contemplate the future direction of philosophy, advocating for a comprehensive framework that integrates linguistic analysis with broader philosophical inquiries. They emphasize the need to develop philosophical theories that effectively address language's role in shaping our understanding of reality without claiming absolute truth. The discussion calls for a nuanced approach to philosophical investigations, combining insights from linguistics and metaphysics to navigate complex questions about language, perception, and human cognition.
Is the real world unreachable due to the mediation of language? Or has the linguistic turn in philosophy and academia gone too far?
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Join post-realist philosopher Hilary Lawson, professor of logic Michael Potter and philosopher of language John Searle as they discuss what debates over language add or takeaway from the discipline of philosophy. The three philosophers do not shy away from metaphysics and the potential of removing meaning from our understanding of the world.
Listen to learn more about the linguistic turn and its implications.
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