Wittgenstein’s Concept of Language Games from a Linguistic and Analytical Perspective
Abstract
In his philosophical studies, Ludwig Wittgenstein introduced the concept of ‘language games’ (Sprachspiele) to refer to the repeated use of patterns of language. The aim of this paper is to investigate the concept from two perspectives, juxtaposing a philosophical-analytical perspective with a linguistic analysis. With reference to the expression ‘game’ (Spiel) and the related aspect of the sequence of rules, the semantic characteristics of the concept are examined. Based on Wittgenstein’s distinction between imagination and representation, the concept of language games is restricted to purposeful linguistic utterances that fulfil a communicative function. Karl Bühler’s language-theoretical analysis is used to explain the acquisition and variability of language games. Wittgenstein highlighted the risks associated with certain fallacies. These will be examined from a linguistic perspective.
Abstract
In his philosophical studies, Ludwig Wittgenstein introduced the concept of ‘language games’ (Sprachspiele) to refer to the repeated use of patterns of language. The aim of this paper is to investigate the concept from two perspectives, juxtaposing a philosophical-analytical perspective with a linguistic analysis. With reference to the expression ‘game’ (Spiel) and the related aspect of the sequence of rules, the semantic characteristics of the concept are examined. Based on Wittgenstein’s distinction between imagination and representation, the concept of language games is restricted to purposeful linguistic utterances that fulfil a communicative function. Karl Bühler’s language-theoretical analysis is used to explain the acquisition and variability of language games. Wittgenstein highlighted the risks associated with certain fallacies. These will be examined from a linguistic perspective.
Kapitel in diesem Buch
- Frontmatter I
- Table of Contents V
- Vindicating Language Games: An Introduction 1
- The Non-Epistemic Model of Certainty in Wittgenstein’s Perspective 19
- How Do Language Games Work? 35
- Wittgenstein’s Concept of Language Games from a Linguistic and Analytical Perspective 61
- Language Games, Unresolved Problems 91
- Are Beliefs Social Realities? 121
- Chess and Chess960: Language Games, Forms of Life, and Negotiation 139
- Abbreviations of Wittgenstein’s Works 171
- List of Contributors 175
- Index of Names 177
- Subject Index 179
Kapitel in diesem Buch
- Frontmatter I
- Table of Contents V
- Vindicating Language Games: An Introduction 1
- The Non-Epistemic Model of Certainty in Wittgenstein’s Perspective 19
- How Do Language Games Work? 35
- Wittgenstein’s Concept of Language Games from a Linguistic and Analytical Perspective 61
- Language Games, Unresolved Problems 91
- Are Beliefs Social Realities? 121
- Chess and Chess960: Language Games, Forms of Life, and Negotiation 139
- Abbreviations of Wittgenstein’s Works 171
- List of Contributors 175
- Index of Names 177
- Subject Index 179
