Philosopher who said all philosophical problems are because of language?

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SUMMARY

The philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein asserts that all philosophical problems stem from issues with language, as articulated in his work "Philosophical Investigations." He posits that these problems arise when language is misapplied in metaphysical contexts, leading to confusion and misunderstanding. Wittgenstein advocates for a return to ordinary language to dissolve rather than solve these philosophical dilemmas, emphasizing clarity in communication. His concept of the "language game" further explores how meaning is derived from the use of language in specific contexts.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Wittgenstein's "Philosophical Investigations"
  • Familiarity with the concept of symbolic logic
  • Knowledge of ordinary language philosophy
  • Awareness of the critiques of traditional philosophy
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore Wittgenstein's concept of "language games"
  • Research the implications of ordinary language philosophy
  • Study the critiques of metaphysical philosophy in Wittgenstein's work
  • Investigate the role of symbolic logic in resolving philosophical problems
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Philosophy students, linguists, and anyone interested in the intersection of language and philosophical inquiry will benefit from this discussion.

Tosh5457
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Nevermind, it's Wittgenstein.
 
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Tosh5457 said:
There is a philosopher who wrote a book about this, but I don't remember his name. It sounded something like Finkeinstein or something... He claims all philosophical problems are only language problems, they need to be translated to symbolic logic to be resolved. Does anyone know?

Is this him?
Ludwig Wittgenstein

From wiki:
'According to Wittgenstein, philosophical problems arise when language is forced from its proper home into a metaphysical environment, where all the familiar and necessary landmarks and contextual clues are removed. He describes this metaphysical environment as like being on frictionless ice: where the conditions are apparently perfect for a philosophically and logically perfect language, all philosophical problems can be solved without the muddying effects of everyday contexts; but where, precisely because of the lack of friction, language can in fact do no work at all.[153] Wittgenstein argues that philosophers must leave the frictionless ice and return to the "rough ground" of ordinary language in use. Much of the Investigations consists of examples of how the first false steps can be avoided, so that philosophical problems are dissolved, rather than solved: "the clarity we are aiming at is indeed complete clarity. But this simply means that the philosophical problems should completely disappear."
'
 

Oh, I see. Wittgenstein is definitely a prominent figure in philosophy. I'm curious, what specifically about Wittgenstein's work are you discussing? His ideas on language and meaning? His concept of the language game? His critiques of traditional philosophy? There's a lot to unpack when it comes to Wittgenstein's philosophy.
 

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