Single Idea 4146

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

Full Idea

If the mental image of a train timetable cannot itself be tested for correctness, how can it confirm the correctness of the first memory? (As if someone were to buy several copies of the morning paper to assure himself that what it said was true).

Gist of Idea

We cannot doublecheck mental images for correctness (or confirm news with many copies of the paper)

Source

Ludwig Wittgenstein (Philosophical Investigations [1952], §265)

Book Reference

Wittgenstein,Ludwig: 'Philosophical Investigations', ed/tr. Anscombe,E. [Blackwell 1972], p.94


A Reaction

An important point for the epistemological sceptic. Could God do an infinite regress of checks on the truth of his mental images?