Argument Quote by John Searle
“There are clear cases in which understanding literally applies and clear cases in which it does not apply; and these two sorts of cases are all I need for this argument.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Mind, Language, and Society, John Searle, 1992
Distinguishes cases where literal interpretation works from those where it fails, forming the basis of his argument.
In simple terms: Shows when literal meaning applies and when it doesn’t.
Identify the type of case before applying literal meaning.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- legal interpretation
- philosophical debate
- teaching language
- writing
- analysis
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- When does literal interpretation mislead?
- How to decide which case applies?
Literal meaning may be insufficient in nuanced or metaphorical contexts.