Write an Essay on the Wittgenstein’s Account of Understanding
Introduction
Ludwig Wittgenstein, a major figure in 20th-century philosophy, significantly contributed to our understanding of language and meaning. His account of understanding is primarily presented in his later work, Philosophical Investigations, where he moved away from his earlier logical atomism to a more pragmatic and contextual approach. He argued that understanding is rooted in the use of language within forms of life and language games.
Language as Use
Wittgenstein famously claimed, “To understand a sentence is to understand a language.” This means understanding is not about translating or decoding a message but about participating in a practice where the sentence is used. Meaning is use—words acquire meaning through the roles they play in social interactions and linguistic contexts.
Language Games
He introduced the concept of “language games” to explain how words function differently depending on the context. Each language game is governed by specific rules. Understanding arises not from an internal representation but from knowing how to act appropriately within a game.
Understanding and Following Rules
For Wittgenstein, understanding is closely tied to following rules. To understand a command or statement is to know how to act according to social conventions. This challenges the traditional view that understanding is an inner mental state, suggesting instead that it is shown in action.
Conclusion
Wittgenstein’s account of understanding emphasizes context, use, and social practice. It moves away from the idea of a purely internal cognitive process and instead roots understanding in behavior and participation in shared linguistic practices.