Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Ludwig Wittgenstein, one of the most influential philosophers of the 20th century, underwent a significant transformation in his philosophical thought. His early work, particularly the *Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus* (1921), proposed a ‘picture theory of meaning’, asserting that language mirrors reality and meaningful propositions depict facts. However, Wittgenstein later rejected this theory, developing a ‘use theory of meaning’ in his *Philosophical Investigations* (1953). This shift stemmed from a growing dissatisfaction with the limitations of the *Tractatus* and a deeper engagement with the complexities of everyday language. This answer will explore the reasons behind this pivotal change, critically evaluating both perspectives.
The Picture Theory of Meaning
The picture theory, central to the *Tractatus*, posits that the logical structure of language mirrors the logical structure of the world. Wittgenstein believed that propositions are ‘pictures’ of facts, and their truth or falsity depends on whether they accurately represent those facts. Key features of this theory include:
- Logical Atomism: The world is composed of simple, independent facts (atomic facts) which are combinations of objects.
- Logical Form: Both language and reality share a common logical form, allowing propositions to ‘picture’ facts.
- Saying vs. Showing: Wittgenstein distinguished between what can be *said* (expressed in meaningful propositions) and what can only be *shown* (e.g., ethics, aesthetics, the mystical). These latter areas were considered outside the realm of meaningful discourse.
The theory aimed to resolve philosophical problems by demonstrating that many traditional philosophical questions were meaningless, arising from a misunderstanding of the logical structure of language.
Problems with the Picture Theory
Despite its initial appeal, the picture theory faced several critical challenges:
- General Propositions: How can a proposition like “All swans are white” picture a fact, given that there are infinitely many swans? The theory struggles to account for generalizations.
- Negative Propositions: How does a negative proposition like “This is not red” picture a fact? It seems to require picturing a non-existent fact.
- Self-Referential Propositions: Propositions about propositions (e.g., “This sentence is false”) create logical paradoxes that the theory cannot resolve.
- The Problem of Rule-Following: The theory doesn’t adequately explain how we apply rules consistently, as it assumes a pre-existing logical form that dictates correct usage.
These difficulties led Wittgenstein to question the fundamental assumptions of the *Tractatus* and to seek a new approach to understanding language and meaning.
The Shift to the Use Theory of Meaning
Wittgenstein’s later work, particularly *Philosophical Investigations*, marked a radical departure from the picture theory. He abandoned the idea that meaning resides in a correspondence between language and reality, arguing instead that meaning is use. This ‘use theory’ emphasizes the social and practical context of language:
- Language Games: Wittgenstein introduced the concept of ‘language games’ to illustrate that language is not a single, unified system, but rather a collection of diverse activities governed by different rules and conventions. Examples include giving orders, describing objects, telling jokes, and praying.
- Forms of Life: Language games are embedded within ‘forms of life’ – the shared practices, customs, and beliefs of a community. Meaning is derived from participation in these forms of life.
- Family Resemblance: Wittgenstein argued that concepts do not have fixed definitions, but rather exhibit ‘family resemblance’ – overlapping similarities rather than a single common essence.
The use theory rejects the notion of a private language, arguing that language is inherently social and requires public criteria for correctness. It also emphasizes the importance of context in determining meaning, recognizing that the same word can have different meanings in different language games.
Critical Discussion: Comparing the Two Theories
The shift from the picture theory to the use theory represents a move from a formal, logical approach to a pragmatic, contextual one. The picture theory sought to establish a universal, logical foundation for language, while the use theory embraces the diversity and flexibility of language in practice.
| Feature | Picture Theory | Use Theory |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Correspondence to facts | Use in a language game |
| Language | Logical mirroring of reality | Collection of language games |
| Focus | Logical structure | Social practice |
| Philosophical Problems | Result of linguistic misunderstanding | Often dissolve upon closer examination of use |
While the picture theory offered a compelling account of logical structure, its inability to address the complexities of everyday language ultimately led to its abandonment. The use theory, though less elegant in its formalism, provides a more nuanced and realistic understanding of how language functions in human life.
Conclusion
Wittgenstein’s philosophical journey from the *Tractatus* to *Philosophical Investigations* reflects a profound shift in his understanding of language, meaning, and the nature of philosophical inquiry. The rejection of the picture theory and the embrace of the use theory were driven by the inherent limitations of the former in accounting for the richness and complexity of linguistic practice. His later work profoundly influenced 20th-century philosophy, particularly in the fields of language philosophy, philosophy of mind, and social theory, emphasizing the importance of context and social practice in understanding human thought and action.
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.