An instinct for meaning
The relationship between language and human action is a pervasive theme of Wittgenstein's writings. And yet explicit references to the essentially instinctive nature of the actions into which language is woven are sparse. This thesis, by explanation and by the further development of these few remarks, aims to advance our understanding of the role of instinctive reactions in the formation and possession of our concepts. Wittgenstein has been criticised - rightly or wrongly - for viewing language too much on the model of the application of a technique, as if speaking were merely a system of rule-governed actions. Following Rush Rhees, I argue that speaking is more intimately woven into our constitution as persons than can be understood from such an oversimplified view. Wittgenstein has also been accused of harbouring a theory of concept-formation from instinctive behaviour - an accusation that is refuted. Our understanding of the nature and role of instinctive reactions (both linguistic and non-linguistic) in the constitution of our conceptual form of life must therefore take account of the more complex picture of the nature of speaking that emerges. Examples of concepts (psychological concepts and concepts
Knott, Hugh Andrew
An instinct for meaning. The relationship between language and human action is a pervasive theme of Wittgenstein's writings. And yet explicit references to the essentially instinctive nature of the actions into which language is woven are sparse. This thesis, by explanation and by the further development of these few remarks, aims to advance our understanding of the role of instinctive reactions in the formation and possession of our concepts. Wittgenstein has been criticised - rightly or wrongly - for viewing language too much on the model of the application of a technique, as if speaking were merely a system of rule-governed actions. Following Rush Rhees, I argue that speaking is more intimately woven into our constitution as persons than can be understood from such an oversimplified view. Wittgenstein has also been accused of harbouring a theory of concept-formation from instinctive behaviour - an accusation that is refuted. Our understanding of the nature and role of instinctive reactions (both linguistic and non-linguistic) in the constitution of our conceptual form of life must therefore take account of the more complex picture of the nature of speaking that emerges. Examples of concepts (psychological concepts and concepts
instinct meaning relationship language human_action pervasive theme wittgenstein writing yet explicit reference essentially instinctive nature action language woven sparse explanation development remark aim_advance role instinctive reaction formation possession concept wittgenstein criticise rightly wrongly view language much model application technique speak merely system rule governed action following argue speak intimately woven constitution person understand view wittgenstein also accuse harbour theory concept formation instinctive behaviour accusation refute nature role instinctive reaction linguistic non_linguistic constitution conceptual form_life must therefore take_account complex picture nature speaking emerges examples concept psychological concept concept