8.4
480. A child is learning to use the word
“tree”. One stands with it in front of a tree and says “Lovely tree!” Clearly no doubt as to the tree’s existence comes
into the language-game. But can the child be said to know: ‘that a tree exists’? Admittedly it’s true that ‘knowing
something’ doesn’t involve thinking about
it – but mustn’t anyone who knows
something be capable of doubt? And doubting means thinking.
there is no doubt expressed in –
‘lovely tree’ –
but the description is open to question –
and therefore uncertain
the child learns to use descriptions –
to operate with uncertainty –
can it be said to know?
only if – ‘to know’ –
is to use descriptions
mustn’t anyone who describes –
be capable of doubt?
yes –
description is a response to –
uncertainty
and yes –
doubting means –
thinking
© greg t. charlton. 2010.
