Single Idea 4721

[catalogued under 19. Language / A. Nature of Meaning / 10. Denial of Meanings]

Full Idea

If you are not certain of any fact, you cannot be certain of the meaning of your words either.

Gist of Idea

If you are not certain of any fact, you cannot be certain of the meaning of your words either

Source

Ludwig Wittgenstein (On Certainty [1951], §114)

Book Reference

O'Grady,Paul: 'Relativism' [Acumen 2002], p.94


A Reaction

A wonderfully challenging aphorism. I suspect that it is true, but not really a problem. We all know the meaning of 'Loch Ness Monster', as long as we don't get too fussy. And for local objects I am happy that I know the facts.