Single Idea 21960

[catalogued under 1. Philosophy / F. Analytic Philosophy / 5. Linguistic Analysis]

Full Idea

Ordinary language is not the last word: in principle it can everywhere be supplemented and improved upon and superseded. Only remember, it is the first word.

Gist of Idea

Ordinary language is the beginning of philosophy, but there is much more to it

Source

J.L. Austin (A Plea for Excuses [1956], p.185), quoted by A.W. Moore - The Evolution of Modern Metaphysics Intro

Book Reference

Moore,A.W.: 'The Evolution of Modern Metaphysics' [CUP 2013], p.11


A Reaction

To claim anything more would be absurd. The point is that this remark comes from the high priest of ordinary language philosophy.