Single Idea 3970

[catalogued under 19. Language / F. Communication / 4. Private Language]

Full Idea

We would have no fully-fledge thoughts if we were not in communication with others.

Gist of Idea

Thought is only fully developed if we communicate with others

Source

Donald Davidson (Davidson on himself [1994], p.233)

Book Reference

'A Companion to the Philosophy of Mind', ed/tr. Guttenplan,Samuel [Blackwell 1995], p.233


A Reaction

This seems a plausible empirical observation, though I would doubt any a priori proof of it. If animals could speak, they would become intellectuals?