Truth Seeking Quote by Anonymous
““He glosses the skeptic's question of "whether my present usage agrees with my past usage" as the question "whether I am presently conforming to my previous linguistic intentions" (12; Kripke's emphases removed); the question is, "How do I know that '68 plus 57', as I meant 'plus' in the past, should denote 125?" (12).””
About This Quote
Source Essay: Philosophical Inquiry on Language, 2020
The quote questions how we justify the meaning of words based on past intentions versus current usage.
In simple terms: It asks how we know a word’s meaning stays the same over time.
Key Takeaway
Examine how you confirm meaning in communication.
Themes
language
meaning
philosophy
semantics
Mood
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- academic writing
- philosophical debate
- everyday conversation
Key Concepts
reference
intentionality
historical linguistics
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you verify that a term means the same now as before?
- What role do social conventions play in meaning?
A Different Perspective
Assumes stable linguistic intentions, which may not hold.
![“[T]he question "What is everything?" has no meaning, even though it seems to be profound. [...] The point is, perhaps, that I am not looking for a verbal answer, just as when I ask for a kiss, I do not want a piece of paper with "A kiss" written on it. It is rather that metaphysical wonder looks…” quote by Alan W. Watts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/705/alan-w-watts-9497_curiosity_t-he-question-what-is-everything-has-no_3984.jpg)
