具体描述
In this book H. A. Knott develops an original yet highly readable approach to Wittgensteinian philosophy, moving from familiar territory onto uncharted terrains. The central topics of exploration revolve around the nature of concept possession - what it means to say that one has a concept - and the nature and difficulties of reflecting on our concepts within philosophy. The author argues that the possession of concepts is integral to our very constitution as persons and to our consciousness. Hence the programme of conceptual clarification formulated by Wittgenstein is no mere intellectual exercise but a struggle from the midst of our lives to see more clearly into our own nature and into our place in the world. The book is written in the form of a dialogue between Lato and Crates - the alter-egos of Plato and Socrates - which holds the discussion within a perspective that looks back onto the origins of Western philosophy whilst simultaneously aiding the accessibility and readability of the work's argument.
Wittgenstein, Concept Possession and Philosophy: A Journey into the Labyrinth of Meaning The acquisition and manipulation of concepts lie at the very heart of human thought and understanding. From the simple recognition of a "chair" to the intricate workings of abstract scientific theories, our world is built upon the foundation of conceptual frameworks. This book delves into the profound philosophical questions surrounding concept possession, exploring how we come to grasp, employ, and refine our conceptual repertoire. It embarks on a comprehensive investigation into the nature of concepts themselves, their relationship to language, and the intricate cognitive processes involved in their acquisition and utilization. At its core, the inquiry is deeply rooted in the fertile ground of Ludwig Wittgenstein's later philosophy, particularly his groundbreaking ideas on meaning as use and the concept of "family resemblances." The text meticulously examines how Wittgenstein's seminal insights challenge traditional, essentialist accounts of concepts, which often seek rigid definitions and necessary and sufficient conditions for membership. Instead, the book champions a more fluid and context-dependent understanding, where concepts are seen as dynamic tools, shaped by their practical applications and the diverse ways in which we deploy them in various language games. The exploration begins by dissecting the very notion of "possession." What does it mean to possess a concept? Is it a private, internal mental state, or is it something inherently tied to our ability to participate in social practices and public language? The book navigates this complex terrain, drawing upon Wittgenstein's famous analogy of "following a rule." It argues that concept possession is not about having a blueprint in one's mind, but rather about demonstrating an understanding through one's actions and linguistic performances. This involves the ability to correctly identify instances and non-instances of a concept, to apply it appropriately in new situations, and to explain its meaning to others. A significant portion of the book is dedicated to analyzing the relationship between language and concept possession. The inherent publicity of language, as emphasized by Wittgenstein, plays a crucial role. The ability to learn and use language is inextricably linked to acquiring the concepts that are embedded within it. The book explores how the learning of a language is not merely memorizing words, but a process of being initiated into a form of life, a web of shared practices and understandings. Through examples and detailed exposition, it illustrates how the meaning of a word is determined by its use within a specific linguistic community. Furthermore, the text scrutinizes the various ways in which concepts are acquired throughout our lives. It moves beyond simplistic notions of innate ideas, proposing instead a developmental and experiential account. From early childhood learning, where concepts are learned through ostensive definition and repeated exposure, to the sophisticated conceptual development of experts in specialized fields, the book examines the diverse pathways to conceptual mastery. This includes exploring the role of analogy, metaphor, and abstraction in extending and refining our conceptual understanding. The very process of encountering new situations and engaging in problem-solving inherently pushes the boundaries of our existing conceptual frameworks, leading to the formation of new concepts or the modification of old ones. The philosophical implications of this understanding of concept possession are far-reaching. The book engages with significant debates in epistemology, exploring how our conceptual frameworks shape our knowledge of the world. It touches upon the philosophy of mind, questioning the nature of mental representation and the relationship between thought and language. Moreover, it delves into ethical and political philosophy, considering how shared conceptual understandings are essential for social cohesion, moral reasoning, and the possibility of meaningful dialogue across different perspectives. In essence, this book offers a rigorous and insightful examination of concept possession, grounded in the enduring legacy of Wittgenstein's philosophy. It invites readers on a journey to understand not just what concepts are, but how they shape our very experience of reality, our interactions with others, and the fundamental nature of human rationality. It is a testament to the power of careful philosophical analysis to illuminate the intricate workings of the human mind and the profound depth of meaning embedded in our everyday language and practices. The book aims to foster a deeper appreciation for the complexity and richness of conceptual life, encouraging a more nuanced and thoughtful engagement with the world around us.
