Ludwig Wittgenstein: Language Games

Question 1

Qoutes by wittingstien

Answer 1

“Do not ask for the meaning, ask for the use”
“Limits of my language is the limits of my world”

Question 2

Ludwig Wittgenstein: language games

What does the quote : “don’t ask for the meaning, ask for the use” mean ?

Answer 2

Consider the context first for meaningful language , meaning of words not fixed how world is used is important as it creates prespectobe of the world

Question 3

Ludwig Wittgenstein: language games

What does this quote : “limits of my language is limits of my world” mean ?

Answer 3

• Shows how humans are dependent on language as world view is shaped by language.
• language is important to navigate through life and make sense of the world

Question 4

Ludwig Wittgenstein: language games

What example does he use ?

Answer 4

Same rules to play tennis cannot be use to play football so different games = different rules that are unique and specific to the game which you need to know games and rules to meaning if you play. If you play a new game need to adopt to new rules

Question 5

Ludwig Wittgenstein: language games

How does the games example link to life for Wittgenstein?

Answer 5

For areas of forms of life each has unique and different rules/games based on context uniquely just like in schools, homes we all play different games that give meaning in THAT context

Question 6

Ludwig Wittgenstein: language games

How does his example link to religious language ?

Answer 6

Religious language for different religions are different language games

Question 7

Ludwig Wittgenstein: language games

Example of how religious language are different for different religions based on different language game

Answer 7

If a Christian said “God allows suffering to prepare us to be rewarded in heaven” this fits for Christian language game and meaning to those playing the game but will not fit for aethist or Buddhist language game as has no meaning to them but meaningful to Christian language game

Question 8

Ludwig Wittgenstein: language games

What does he say about religious statements?

Answer 8

• Not opinion of one view of right and wrong
• subjective meaning to your form of life and rules are subjective not form all aspects

Question 9

Ludwig Wittgenstein: language games

What is Wittgenstein saying overall ?

Answer 9

• Many equally valuable truths
• each statement has meaning in context
• not true or false but meaning to those who play the game
• should not critique as based on form of life and language rules and game

Question 10

Strengths of Wittgenstein: language game

Answer 10

1. Defends religious language from verification and falsification: recognizes religious and scientific statements are 2 different things needed to be treated differently, science has different life game
2. Reflects reality as religious language has meaning to those within language game as when people pray or go to church assertion is subjective and meaningful to them
3. Promotes pluralism

Question 11

Weakness of Wittgenstein

Answer 11

Interfaith dialogue is pointless and cannot understand each other roles or common ground as completely different game and form of life