Language Flashcards
Define realism in the context of language and reality.
Realism posits that the world exists independently of language, and language serves to describe it.
Explain the concept of anti-realism.
Anti-realism suggests that the world is constructed through language, implying that no pre-linguistic truths exist.
Describe the significance of the linguistic turn in philosophy.
The Linguistic Turn is the idea that understanding human thought, knowledge, and reality requires first understanding the structure and function of language.
Lngauge isnt simply a tool to describe the world but it shapes the way we think and understand the world.
Describe the role of language in shaping human understanding according to philosophers.
Language imposes human order on the world, and philosophers explore how it creates and structures our reality.
Define Russell’s concept of atomic propositions.
In Bertrand Russell’s theory of logical atomism, an atomic proposition is a fundamental statement that describes a single entity, or atomic fact.
The sky is blue.”
“The cat is on the mat.”
These are atomic propositions because they can’t be broken down further into smaller truths.
Provide an example of an atomic proposition according to Russell.
An example of an atomic proposition is ‘That is green,’ which links language directly to the world.
What limitations do indexicals present in language according to Russell?
Indexicals like ‘that’ depend on context for their meaning and reference, leading to ambiguity without the speaker’s presence. Russell’s idea of “pure pointing” fails because language always operates within its own system and cannot fully connect directly to reality.
How does Russell perceive the relationship between language and reality?
Russell believes language should reflect reality but faces challenges due to its inherent ambiguities.
Summarize the key ideas of ‘Later’ Wittgenstein as mentioned in the content.
‘Later’ Wittgenstein, in his ‘Philosophical Investigations,’ opposes logical atomism, stating that the meaning of a word is derived from its use rather than analysis, and that knowledge and certainty are reflected in our lives.
What is the significance of the use of language according to ‘Later’ Wittgenstein?
Wittgenstein argues that logic is not the metaphysical foundation of language; instead, it is evident in how language is used in everyday life.
Describe the shift in Wittgenstein’s view of language from the Tractatus to his later work.
Wittgenstein shifted from viewing language as a means of picturing reality to understanding it as a tool for creating meaning through ‘language-games’, which are context-driven and rule-governed practices.
How does Wittgenstein define a proposition in relation to reality?
Wittgenstein likens a proposition to a ruler laid against reality, suggesting that it is not individual marks that touch the object, but the entire system of propositions that provides a framework for understanding.
Define the concept of ‘language-games’ as presented by Wittgenstein.
Language-games are practices in which words derive their meaning from their use in specific contexts, rather than from fixed essences.
Explain the difference between ontological and epistemological propositions according to Wittgenstein.
Ontological propositions are accepted as beyond doubt and serve as foundational truths (e.g., ‘fingers exist’), while epistemological propositions are open to doubt and investigation (e.g., ‘I see three fingers’).
How does Wittgenstein view the role of philosophy?
Wittgenstein sees the role of philosophy as therapeutic, aiming to clarify language use and prevent confusion arising from metaphysical illusions or pseudo-entities like ‘absolute knowledge’.
