Wittgenstein

Lately, I’ve been exploring language and its role in our perception and understanding of art. I thought I would dig through some Wittgenstein text to whet my appetite for some much-needed philosophical art writing I’m working on. Here’s an excerpt of what I’ve been noshing on…

We are handicapped in ordinary language by having to describe, say, a tactile sensation by means of terms for physical objects such as the word “eye”, “finger”, etc. when what we want to say does not entail the existence of an eye or finger, etc..We have to use a roundabout description of our sensations. This of course does not mean that ordinary language is insufficient for our special purposes, but that it is slightly cumbrous and sometimes misleading. The reason for this peculiarity of our language is of course the regular coincidence of certain sense experiences.

~ Ludwig Wittgenstein, Austrian Philosopher

Art Writing and Criticism, Philosophy, Theory

language, linguistics, ludwig wittgenstein, philosophy, postaday2011, the blue and brown books

2 responses to “Wittgenstein”

Liz Mariani

September 7, 2011 at 5:27 am

I have some other ideas about ordinary language.

I’d like to suggest that ordinary language is often deemed suitable for the process of cultural homogenization. For this reason, I figuratively walk uphill.

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We must always find ways to produce imagery without literal uses of sensation-derived description. In the production and deliverance of words (internally or externally), sensation can be replicated. One way this can happen is through assonance. This creates a breathing landscape, an alternate vista, from which to absorb, feel and listen.

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1. dorothysantos
  
  September 8, 2011 at 6:49 am
  
  You’ve got a great point about verse and poetry being a conduit to exploring the possibilities of language. I also think this is why Wittgenstein enjoyed Math but I’m not too terribly certain about that, which is why I’m reading through some of his work. I have to say that I get stuck in one language – English (or, well, American to some folks) which is the language I feel I’m most proficient and fluent in BUT I meet people whose native language is German (for example) and they know ‘my’ language better than I do. I’m rambling now but my point: extraordinary language forces one to think (this is why art theory/criticism and philosophy intrigue and interest me). Much more recently, I’ve learned to really love poetry (thanks to you and a few other writers such as Wanda Coleman and Rilke – I know, so different). Again, thanks for always starting a dialogue with me. It is appreciated!! Thank you! 🙂
  
  Reply

Dorothy R. Santos

Wittgenstein

2 responses to “Wittgenstein”

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