Single Idea 4155

[catalogued under 19. Language / A. Nature of Meaning / 6. Meaning as Use]

Full Idea

It it be asked, "How do sentences manage to represent?" the answer might be, "Don't you know? You certainly see it when you use them." For nothing is concealed.

Gist of Idea

We all seem able to see quite clearly how sentences represent things when we use them

Source

Ludwig Wittgenstein (Philosophical Investigations [1952], §435)

Book Reference

Wittgenstein,Ludwig: 'Philosophical Investigations', ed/tr. Anscombe,E. [Blackwell 1972], p.128


A Reaction

A tool isn't its use, even though it becomes obvious how a tool works when it is used. It has a use because it has a certain nature or property.