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Single Idea 4144

[filed under theme 19. Language / F. Communication / 6. Interpreting Language / c. Principle of charity ]

Full Idea

The common behaviour of mankind is the system of reference by means of which we interpret an unknown language.

Gist of Idea

Common human behaviour enables us to interpret an unknown language

Source

Ludwig Wittgenstein (Philosophical Investigations [1952], §206)

Book Ref

Wittgenstein,Ludwig: 'Philosophical Investigations', ed/tr. Anscombe,E. [Blackwell 1972], p.82

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A Reaction

This is a behaviourist spin on the idea of charity, but it leads to Davidson's assumption that most alien beliefs must be true.