wittgenstein

early wittgenstein

• words = pictures in people’s minds

  • communication = wrong when we have different pictures

• only use cognitive language

  • no RL = metaphysical / out of this world

early wittgenstein on RL

non-cognitive, meaningless

early wittgenstein quote

“where one cannot speak, one must be silent”

BUT limits human expression

late wittgenstein language game analogies used

• train engine room analogy

• toolbox analogy

late wittgenstein on RL

non-cognitive, meaningful

• meaningfulness = subjective 

  • subjective truths relative to each game

• outside language game = shouldn’t critique language

  • don’t understand rules

  • e.g. different rules for different sports 

religious statement fits with religious language game, but not atheistic language game, so not meaningful for atheists

train engine room analogy

• language = train engine room

  • handles (words) look the same, but different functions

toolbox analogy

• range of tools = different functions

• different language games = different functions 

  • theology, science, etc. = different language games 

counters

• atheism + theism = competing

  • can’t both be true

• CS LEWIS - need realist view of some aspects of Bible

  • e.g. Jesus’ resurrection

• religion seems subjective when believers think its facts

  • devalue religion

• devalues ‘meaningfulness’

• dangerous language games (racism)

• raises questions

  • if outside language games can’t critique as don’t get the rules, can ex-theists not understand the meaningfulness of RL?

support

• defends challenges from verification / falsification

• reflects reality

  • everyone interprets rules differently

• reopens up human experience

  • unlike early ideas

• AQUINAS - importance of educating children 

  • perhaps as children have to learn religious language?

• reflects experiences 

  • different social settings = different rules (e.g. job interview vs football game)

  • misunderstand concepts = different cultural / religious beliefs