According to Wittgenstein ‘Philosophy is a battle against the bewitchment of our intelligence by means of language’. Explain the function of philosophy in the context of above statement.

The ‘Bewitchment’ of Intelligence

Wittgenstein’s ‘bewitchment’ refers to the way language can mislead us into believing in metaphysical entities or constructing unsolvable problems. This happens because we often treat language as a picture of reality, attempting to find a one-to-one correspondence between words and things. He argued that language is not merely representational; it’s a tool with diverse uses, a ‘form of life’. When we try to apply the rules of one language-game (a specific context of language use) to another, we inevitably run into trouble.

Philosophy as Therapy

Wittgenstein envisioned philosophy as a therapeutic endeavor. He believed that philosophical problems aren’t to be *solved* in the traditional sense, but *dissolved* by clarifying the linguistic rules governing their formulation. This involves examining how we use language, identifying the source of the confusion, and showing that the problem is based on a misunderstanding. He rejected the idea of seeking grand, overarching philosophical systems, advocating instead for a meticulous analysis of specific linguistic practices.

Language-Games and Forms of Life

Central to Wittgenstein’s approach is the concept of ‘language-games’. These are rule-governed activities involving language, like giving orders, describing objects, telling jokes, or praying. Each language-game has its own context and criteria for meaningfulness. The meaning of a word isn’t inherent in the word itself, but derives from its use within a particular language-game. ‘Forms of life’ represent the broader cultural and social contexts that shape these language-games. Understanding a language-game requires understanding the form of life in which it is embedded.

Examples of Linguistic Bewitchment

• The Problem of Other Minds: The question of how we can know that other people have conscious experiences is often framed as a metaphysical puzzle. Wittgenstein would argue that this arises from a misunderstanding of the concept of ‘mind’ and how we use language to attribute mental states to others. We don’t *infer* that others have minds; we simply *assume* it in our everyday interactions.
• The Search for Essence: Traditional philosophy often sought to identify the ‘essence’ of things – the defining characteristic that makes something what it is. Wittgenstein rejected this quest, arguing that there is no single essence, only ‘family resemblances’ – overlapping similarities between members of a category. Consider the concept of ‘game’. There’s no single feature common to all games, but they share various similarities (competition, rules, entertainment, etc.).
• Private Language Argument: Wittgenstein argued that a truly private language – one that only the speaker could understand – is impossible. Language is inherently social; its meaning depends on public criteria and shared understanding.

Implications for Philosophical Inquiry

Wittgenstein’s philosophy shifts the focus from abstract theorizing to concrete linguistic analysis. It emphasizes the importance of context, usage, and the social nature of language. This approach has had a profound impact on various fields, including linguistics, psychology, and sociology, encouraging a more pragmatic and descriptive approach to understanding human thought and behavior.