139. I do not scruple to invent causal connections in the mechanism of
language.
To invent a keyboard might mean to invent something that had the desired
effect; or else to devise new forms which were similar to the old ones in
various ways.
“It is always for living beings that signs exist.”
‘inventing causal connections in
the mechanism of language’?
this ‘mechanism of language’ is
itself an invention – or should I say a proposal –
and yes this is what we do in the
business of explaining – and accounting for –
we invent – we propose – to suit
our purposes – whatever they may be
and the logical reality is that
any ‘invention’ – any proposal – any proposition –
be it in the form of language –
or in some other form – as in the example above – a keyboard –
is open to question – to doubt –
is uncertain
it is really not as if there are
old forms and new forms – just different forms –
different forms for different
purposes
‘It is always for living
beings that signs exist’?
we make signs – we propose
we make proposals – propositions – basic and complex –
in order to describe –
that which in the absence of our proposals –
is unknown
© greg t. charlton. 2015.
