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Wittgenstein


Rules, Language & Reality


George Wrisley considers how some of Wittgenstein’s later ideas on language relate to reality.



Two of the perennial questions in 20th century analytic philosophy have been “How we are able
to say or mean anything with signs, symbols, and sounds?” and “What exactly is the meaning
of those signs, symbols, and sounds?” But why in the world would philosophers become so focused
on language and meaning? Let me mention two very general reasons. One reason is that an enormous range
of issues are touched by looking at language, and important philosophical insights can be won by doing
this. Another reason is the immense influence a number of philosophers who were interested in language
had on everyone else doing philosophy, especially in Britain and America.


Let me say a few words about the first reason first. The importance of Immanuel Kant for later philosophy
can’t be over-emphasized.


…