on certainty 480

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.