55. “Why do you choose this
colour when given this order?” – “Because this colour is opposite to the word
‘red’ in my chart.” In that case there is no sense in this question: “Why do you call ‘red’ the colour in the chart
opposite the word ‘red’?”
The connection between “language and reality” is made by definitions of
words – which belong to grammar.
yes – why do we call ‘red’ the colour in the chart opposite the word
‘red’? –
we just do – or – that is the accepted practice –
whether you operate with a chart – or not
logically speaking – it doesn’t matter at all – what word refers to what
–
the point is we have accepted usage in varying contexts –
and as to the why and wherefore of that?
there you engage is propositional speculation
the ‘colour’ – so called – in the absence of any definition – is what? –
unknown
the logical reality is – we make known with language –
language enables us to interpret and operate in the world
there is no necessity in language – it is purely contingent
and therefore – functionally very malleable
language is – in a final sense – our response to the unknown –
and any response that we make – that we operate with –
as a response to the unknown – is uncertain –
nevertheless this is what we have – this is what we work with –
and this is how we make our realities –
with uncertainty
the definition of words is an exercise in uncertainty –
grammar is a proposal –
open to question – open to doubt –
uncertain
© greg t. charlton. 2014.