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