Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Ludwig Wittgenstein, a pivotal figure in 20th-century philosophy, underwent a significant intellectual transformation. His early work, particularly the *Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus* (1921), proposed a ‘Picture Theory of Meaning’, attempting to establish a logical relationship between language, thought, and the world. However, Wittgenstein later rejected this theory, deeming it inadequate to capture the complexities of language use. This led to the development of the ‘Use Theory of Meaning’ in his later work, *Philosophical Investigations* (published posthumously in 1953), marking a shift towards a more pragmatic and contextual understanding of meaning. This answer will explore both theories and the reasons behind Wittgenstein’s change in perspective.
The Picture Theory of Meaning
The Picture Theory, central to the *Tractatus*, posits that language functions as a logical picture of reality. Wittgenstein believed that propositions are not about the world, but rather *pictures* of possible states of affairs. This picture-like relationship is achieved through a structural isomorphism – a one-to-one correspondence between the logical form of the proposition and the logical form of the fact it represents.
- Logical Atomism: The theory relies on the idea that the world is composed of simple, independent facts (atomic facts).
- Logical Form: Propositions share a common logical form with these facts, allowing them to depict them.
- Truth-Functionality: The truth or falsity of a proposition depends on whether the state of affairs it depicts actually exists.
- Limits of Language: Wittgenstein argued that there are things that cannot be meaningfully spoken about – ethics, aesthetics, metaphysics – because they do not correspond to facts in the world. These fall into the realm of the ‘mystical’.
Essentially, for a proposition to be meaningful, it must be logically possible to verify it through experience. Meaning, therefore, is determined by the proposition’s ability to represent a possible fact.
Problems with the Picture Theory
Wittgenstein himself began to recognize significant flaws in the Picture Theory. Several issues arose that challenged its foundational assumptions:
- The Problem of Generalization: The theory struggles to account for general propositions (e.g., “All swans are white”). How can a single proposition picture an infinite number of possible states of affairs?
- The Problem of Negation: How does a negative proposition (e.g., “This swan is not white”) picture a fact? What fact does it represent?
- The Problem of Self-Reference: The *Tractatus* itself attempts to say something about language and logic, but according to its own principles, such statements are meaningless.
- The Role of Rules: The theory doesn’t adequately explain how language is actually used in practice, particularly the role of rules and conventions in determining meaning.
These difficulties led Wittgenstein to question the idea that meaning is solely determined by a proposition’s logical structure and its correspondence to facts.
The Use Theory of Meaning
In *Philosophical Investigations*, Wittgenstein abandoned the Picture Theory and proposed the ‘Use Theory of Meaning’. This theory emphasizes that the meaning of a word or expression is determined by its *use* in a particular language-game.
- Language-Games: Wittgenstein introduced the concept of ‘language-games’ – distinct activities or forms of life in which language is used. These games are governed by rules and conventions.
- Meaning as Use: The meaning of a word is not a fixed entity but is determined by how it is used within a specific language-game.
- Family Resemblance: Wittgenstein argued that concepts often lack precise definitions but are connected by a network of overlapping similarities, like members of a family.
- Forms of Life: Language-games are embedded in ‘forms of life’ – the shared practices and beliefs of a community.
The Use Theory shifts the focus from the logical structure of language to its practical function in social contexts. Meaning is not something inherent in words themselves but is created through their use in communication. Understanding a word means knowing how to use it correctly within a language-game.
Comparison of the Two Theories
| Feature | Picture Theory | Use Theory |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Logical structure & correspondence to facts | Practical use & social context |
| Meaning | Representation of reality | Function within a language-game |
| Verification | Logical possibility of verification | Mastery of language-game rules |
| Scope | Attempts a comprehensive account of language | Acknowledges the diversity of language use |
Conclusion
Wittgenstein’s philosophical journey from the Picture Theory to the Use Theory represents a profound shift in his understanding of language and meaning. The initial attempt to establish a logical isomorphism between language and the world proved inadequate, leading him to embrace a more pragmatic and contextual view. The Use Theory, emphasizing the role of language-games and forms of life, offered a more nuanced and realistic account of how language functions in human communication. This transition marked a significant turning point in 20th-century philosophy, influencing fields like linguistics, sociology, and cognitive science.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.