24. Explanation can clear up
misunderstandings. In that case understanding is a correlate of explanation. –
Definitions.
It seems as if other grammatical
rules for a word had to follow from its ostensive definition. But is this
definition really unambiguous? One must really understand a great deal of a
language in order to understand the definition.
explanations clear up
misunderstandings?
what we are dealing with is
uncertainty – not misunderstanding
‘misunderstanding’ – assumes
before any propositional action – that there is a true or correct understanding
an ‘explanation’ – is an
underwriting of a proposition – if you like an interpretation –
and an ‘explanation’ so called –
as with any proposal – any proposition –
is open to question – open to doubt
so too with any proposal for
understanding –
our understanding – is uncertain
–
and therefore logically speaking
the idea of a ‘misunderstanding’ – has no place
understanding as a correlate of
explanation?
yes – in that any explanation –
any understanding –
is open to question
an ostensive definition – has no
special logical status –
as with any proposal – any
proposition – it is open to question –
open to doubt –
uncertain
© greg t. charlton.
2014.