Wittgenstein's Philosophical Investigations Sec. 1-27 & 66-71 Carolina_Derecho UPDEPPO Philosophy 1

Summary

In this presentation, Shaina Di Retro and AlianaTranscript summary generation Carolina explore Ludwig Wittgenstein's *Philosophical Investigations*, focusing on paragraphs 1–27 and 66–71. They examine Wittgenstein's view that philosophy is an activity of clarifying thought, emphasizing that the meaning of words arises from their use within social and linguistic contexts. Contrasting Augustine's idea that words simply name objects, they introduce concepts like ostensive teaching, language games, and family resemblance to show the complexity of language. The discussion highlights how understanding context, rules, and usage is key to interpreting meaning, resolving philosophical confusion, and appreciating the dynamic, practical role of language in everyday life.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ludwig Wittgenstein (1889–1951) was an Austrian philosopher who studied under Bertrand Russell and focused on certainty, propositions, meaning, and language games.
• 😀 Philosophy, according to Wittgenstein, is an activity aimed at clarifying thoughts and critiquing language, rather than creating doctrines or theories.
• 😀 The meaning of words is determined by their use in context, not by fixed definitions or associations with objects.
• 😀 Wittgenstein critiques Augustine's view that words simply name objects; meaning is more complex and context-dependent.
• 😀 Ostensive teaching (pointing to objects to explain words) is insufficient alone; instruction and context are crucial for understanding language.
• 😀 Language games illustrate how words acquire meaning through social interaction, rules, and intentions, much like moves in a game.
• 😀 Family resemblance describes how concepts and words are understood through overlapping similarities rather than strict definitions.
• 😀 Logical truths are not absolute; words and language function with flexibility and context-specific rules.
• 😀 Misunderstandings in language often arise from ignoring context, social usage, or implicit rules of communication.
• 😀 Philosophical investigations aim to clarify ordinary language use, highlighting that meaning is relative to culture, society, and everyday practice.
• 😀 Proper interpretation of words often depends on shared context and the practical rules governing their use rather than precise definitions.

Q & A

Who was Ludwig Wittgenstein and what are his notable works?

Ludwig Wittgenstein was an Austrian philosopher born on April 26, 1889, in Vienna. He studied philosophy at Cambridge under Bertrand Russell. His notable works include 'Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus' and 'Philosophical Investigations.'

How does Wittgenstein define philosophy?

Wittgenstein defines philosophy not as a theory or doctrine, but as an activity focused on clarifying thoughts and critically analyzing language to distinguish sense from nonsense.

What is the significance of context in understanding meaning according to Wittgenstein?

According to Wittgenstein, the meaning of a word is derived from its use within a specific context, rather than being a fixed or inherent property of the word itself.

How does Wittgenstein's view of language differ from Augustine's view?

Augustine believed words directly name objects, implying a fixed relationship between words and their referents. Wittgenstein argued this is oversimplified, emphasizing that meaning comes from use, context, and social interactions.

What is ostensive teaching and why is it insufficient alone?

Ostensive teaching involves demonstrating or pointing to objects to teach word meaning. It is insufficient alone because understanding a word also requires context, instructions, and social conventions.

What are language games and how do they help explain meaning?

Language games are social activities governed by rules, in which words gain meaning through use. They illustrate that language is like a game with roles, actions, and goals, highlighting the contextual nature of meaning.

What does Wittgenstein mean by 'family resemblance' in language?

Family resemblance refers to the idea that different uses of words or types of language share overlapping similarities, rather than having one fixed or exact definition, similar to how family members share traits without being identical.

Why does Wittgenstein criticize the notion that every assertion contains an assumption?

He argues that the meaning of words and sentences is not confined to two actions (entertaining and asserting truth). Language is multiplicative, flexible, and new uses may emerge while old ones fade, making rigid assumptions limiting.

How do Wittgenstein's ideas apply to debates, such as those about the word 'God'?

Wittgenstein suggests that understanding a term like 'God' requires examining how it is used in different communities. Debates often fail when participants assume a single, fixed meaning instead of recognizing contextual and social uses.

What is the overall conclusion of Wittgenstein's Philosophical Investigations regarding language?

Wittgenstein concludes that philosophical problems often arise from misunderstandings of language. By studying ordinary language use and context, philosophers can clarify meaning and avoid confusion, acknowledging that exact definitions are often unnecessary.

How does the mother-child example illustrate Wittgenstein’s view on language learning?

In the example, a child learns words like 'pot' or 'spatula' by responding to the mother's instructions. This shows that language learning involves action and social context, not merely associating words with objects.

What is the practical value of Wittgenstein’s philosophy in everyday communication?

Wittgenstein’s philosophy emphasizes paying attention to how words are used in context, which helps prevent misunderstandings, ensures shared understanding in conversations, and promotes effective communication within social groups.