'For the person or persons that hold dominion, can no more combine with the keeping up of majesty the running with harlots drunk or naked about the streets, or the performances of a stage player, or the open violation or contempt of laws passed by themselves than they can combine existence with non-existence'.

- Benedict de Spinoza. Political Treatise. 1677.




Monday, January 26, 2015

Philosophical Grammar 136


136. Suppose we compare grammar to a keyboard which I can use to direct a man by
pressing different combinations of keys. What corresponds in this case to the grammar of language.

If the utterance of a ‘nonsensical’ combination of words has the effect that the other person stares at me, I don’t on that account call it the order to stare.



using a keyboard to press different combinations of keys – is a game

the grammar of language is a language-game

the game itself – its rules – its rationale – its structure – purpose and usefulness – is open to question

however if you play the game – you play it as directed

‘nonsensical’ is an interpretation  of a combination of words

the effect of any utterance – like the utterance itself – will be open to question – open to interpretation

it could be interpreted as an order to stare

there are comedians



© greg t. charlton. 2015.