Affirmative Quote by J. L. Austin
“Next, 'real' is what we may call a trouser-word. It is usually thought, and I dare say usually rightly thought, that what one might call the affirmative use of a term is basic--that, to understand 'x,' we need to know what it is to be x, or to be an x, and that knowing this apprises us of what it is not to be x, not to be an x. But with 'real' (as we briefly noted earlier) it is the negative use that wears the trousers.”
About This Quote
Source Lecture: Language and Meaning, Oxford University, 1955
The term “real” functions primarily as a negation, defining things by what they are not rather than by a positive essence.
In simple terms: “Real” often describes by by exclusion.
Key Takeaway
Recognize when concepts are defined negatively.
Themes
philosophy
language
semantics
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
philosophical
theoretical
When to use this quote
- academic discussion
- legal interpretation
- everyday conversation
Key Concepts
negative definition
conceptual analysis
Questions to Reflect On
- How does defining by negation limit insight?
- When is a negative definition useful?
A Different Perspective
The negative framing can obscure positive understanding.
