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Books Quote by Ludwig Wittgenstein

“476. Children do not learn that books exist, that armchairs exist, etc.,etc. - they learn to fetch books, sit in armchairs, etc.,etc. Later, questions about the existence of things do of course arise, "Is there such a thing as a unicorn?" and so on. But such a question is possible only because as…” quote by Ludwig Wittgenstein
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““476. Children do not learn that books exist, that armchairs exist, etc.,etc. - they learn to fetch books, sit in armchairs, etc.,etc. Later, questions about the existence of things do of course arise, "Is there such a thing as a unicorn?" and so on. But such a question is possible only because as a rule no corresponding question presents itself. For how does one know how to set about satisfying oneself of the existence of unicorns? How did one learn the method for determining whether something exists or not? 477. "So one must know that the objects whose names one teaches a child by an ostensive definition exist." - Why must one know they do? Isn't it enough that experience doesn't later show the opposite? For why should the language-game rest on some kind of knowledge? 478. Does a child believe that milk exists? Or does it know that milk exists? Does a cat know that a mouse exists? 479. Are we to say that the knowledge that there are physical objects comes very early or very late?””

Ludwig Wittgenstein

About This Quote

Source Book: Philosophical Investigations, Ludwig Wittgenstein, 1953

The passage questions how children acquire knowledge of existence through language and ostensive definition, highlighting the gap between learning names and understanding the existence of objects.

In simple terms: Children learn names before they grasp existence.

Key Takeaway

Recognize that language shapes our perception of reality.

Themes

epistemology language development philosophy of mind ontology

Mood

thoughtful inquisitive analytical

Type

philosophical exploratory educational

When to use this quote

  • early childhood education
  • philosophical analysis
  • language teaching
  • parenting
  • cognitive development

Key Concepts

ostensive definition conceptual learning existential inquiry

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do we differentiate between naming and knowing?
  • Can we know something exists without language?
A Different Perspective

The argument assumes that language is the primary route to knowledge, overlooking sensory experience.

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