Language vs. Reality

Language vs. Reality

Author: N.J. Enfield

Publisher: MIT Press

Published: 2022-03-29

Total Pages: 309

ISBN-13: 0262368773

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A fascinating examination of how we are both played by language and made by language: the science underlying the bugs and features of humankind’s greatest invention. Language is said to be humankind’s greatest accomplishment. But what is language actually good for? It performs poorly at representing reality. It is a constant source of distraction, misdirection, and overshadowing. In fact, N. J. Enfield notes, language is far better at persuasion than it is at objectively capturing the facts of experience. Language cannot create or change physical reality, but it can do the next best thing: reframe and invert our view of the world. In Language vs. Reality, Enfield explains why language is bad for scientists (who are bound by reality) but good for lawyers (who want to win their cases), why it can be dangerous when it falls into the wrong hands, and why it deserves our deepest respect. Enfield offers a lively exploration of the science underlying the bugs and features of language. He examines the tenuous relationship between language and reality; details the array of effects language has on our memory, attention, and reasoning; and describes how these varied effects power narratives and storytelling as well as political spin and conspiracy theories. Why should we care what language is good for? Enfield, who has spent twenty years at the cutting edge of language research, argues that understanding how language works is crucial to tackling our most pressing challenges, including human cognitive bias, media spin, the “post-truth” problem, persuasion, the role of words in our thinking, and much more.


Book Synopsis Language vs. Reality by : N.J. Enfield

Download or read book Language vs. Reality written by N.J. Enfield and published by MIT Press. This book was released on 2022-03-29 with total page 309 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A fascinating examination of how we are both played by language and made by language: the science underlying the bugs and features of humankind’s greatest invention. Language is said to be humankind’s greatest accomplishment. But what is language actually good for? It performs poorly at representing reality. It is a constant source of distraction, misdirection, and overshadowing. In fact, N. J. Enfield notes, language is far better at persuasion than it is at objectively capturing the facts of experience. Language cannot create or change physical reality, but it can do the next best thing: reframe and invert our view of the world. In Language vs. Reality, Enfield explains why language is bad for scientists (who are bound by reality) but good for lawyers (who want to win their cases), why it can be dangerous when it falls into the wrong hands, and why it deserves our deepest respect. Enfield offers a lively exploration of the science underlying the bugs and features of language. He examines the tenuous relationship between language and reality; details the array of effects language has on our memory, attention, and reasoning; and describes how these varied effects power narratives and storytelling as well as political spin and conspiracy theories. Why should we care what language is good for? Enfield, who has spent twenty years at the cutting edge of language research, argues that understanding how language works is crucial to tackling our most pressing challenges, including human cognitive bias, media spin, the “post-truth” problem, persuasion, the role of words in our thinking, and much more.


Language and Reality

Language and Reality

Author: Michael Devitt

Publisher: MIT Press

Published: 1999

Total Pages: 366

ISBN-13: 9780262540995

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What is language? How does it relate to the world? How does it relate to the mind? Should our view of language influence our view of the world? These are among the central issues covered in this spirited and unusually clear introduction to the philosophy of language. Making no pretense of neutrality, Michael Devitt and Kim Sterelny take a definite theoretical stance. Central to that stance is naturalism--that is, they treat a philosophical theory of language as an empirical theory like any other and see people as nothing but complex parts of the physical world. This leads them, controversially, to a deflationary view of the significance of the study of language: they dismiss the idea that the philosophy of language should be preeminent in philosophy. This highly successful textbook has been extensively rewritten for the second edition to reflect recent developments in the field.


Book Synopsis Language and Reality by : Michael Devitt

Download or read book Language and Reality written by Michael Devitt and published by MIT Press. This book was released on 1999 with total page 366 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: What is language? How does it relate to the world? How does it relate to the mind? Should our view of language influence our view of the world? These are among the central issues covered in this spirited and unusually clear introduction to the philosophy of language. Making no pretense of neutrality, Michael Devitt and Kim Sterelny take a definite theoretical stance. Central to that stance is naturalism--that is, they treat a philosophical theory of language as an empirical theory like any other and see people as nothing but complex parts of the physical world. This leads them, controversially, to a deflationary view of the significance of the study of language: they dismiss the idea that the philosophy of language should be preeminent in philosophy. This highly successful textbook has been extensively rewritten for the second edition to reflect recent developments in the field.


Reference, Truth and Reality

Reference, Truth and Reality

Author: Mark Platts

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2016-08-12

Total Pages: 335

ISBN-13: 1315533871

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The papers in this collection discuss the central questions about the connections between language, reality and human understanding. The complex relations between accounts of meaning and facts about ordinary speakers’ understanding of their language are examined so as to illuminate the philosophical character of the connections between language and reality. The collection as a whole is a thematically unified treatment of some of the most central questions within contemporary philosophy of language.


Book Synopsis Reference, Truth and Reality by : Mark Platts

Download or read book Reference, Truth and Reality written by Mark Platts and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2016-08-12 with total page 335 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The papers in this collection discuss the central questions about the connections between language, reality and human understanding. The complex relations between accounts of meaning and facts about ordinary speakers’ understanding of their language are examined so as to illuminate the philosophical character of the connections between language and reality. The collection as a whole is a thematically unified treatment of some of the most central questions within contemporary philosophy of language.


Gadamer and Wittgenstein on the Unity of Language

Gadamer and Wittgenstein on the Unity of Language

Author: Patrick Rogers Horn

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2017-03-02

Total Pages: 232

ISBN-13: 1351935054

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In this innovative comparison of Gadamer and Wittgenstein, the author explores their common concern with the relation of language to reality. Patrick Horn's starting point is the widely accepted view that both philosophers rejected a certain metaphysical account of that relation in which reality determines the nature of language. Horn proceeds to argue that Gadamer never completely escaped metaphysical assumptions in his search for the unity of language. In this respect, argues Horn, Gadamer's work is nearer to the earlier rather than to the later Wittgenstein. The final chapter of the book highlights the work of Wittgenstein’s pupil Rush Rhees, who shows that Wittgenstein's own later emphasis on language games, while doing justice to the variety of language, does less than justice to the dialogical relation between speakers of a language, wherein the unity of language resides. Contrasting Rhees's account of the unity of language with those given by Gadamer and the early Wittgenstein brings out the importance of understanding reality in terms of the life that people share rather than in terms of what philosophers say about reality.


Book Synopsis Gadamer and Wittgenstein on the Unity of Language by : Patrick Rogers Horn

Download or read book Gadamer and Wittgenstein on the Unity of Language written by Patrick Rogers Horn and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2017-03-02 with total page 232 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In this innovative comparison of Gadamer and Wittgenstein, the author explores their common concern with the relation of language to reality. Patrick Horn's starting point is the widely accepted view that both philosophers rejected a certain metaphysical account of that relation in which reality determines the nature of language. Horn proceeds to argue that Gadamer never completely escaped metaphysical assumptions in his search for the unity of language. In this respect, argues Horn, Gadamer's work is nearer to the earlier rather than to the later Wittgenstein. The final chapter of the book highlights the work of Wittgenstein’s pupil Rush Rhees, who shows that Wittgenstein's own later emphasis on language games, while doing justice to the variety of language, does less than justice to the dialogical relation between speakers of a language, wherein the unity of language resides. Contrasting Rhees's account of the unity of language with those given by Gadamer and the early Wittgenstein brings out the importance of understanding reality in terms of the life that people share rather than in terms of what philosophers say about reality.


Unified Discourse Analysis

Unified Discourse Analysis

Author: James Paul Gee

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2014-06-20

Total Pages: 218

ISBN-13: 131768446X

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Discourse Analysis is becoming increasingly "multimodal", concerned primarily with the interplay of language, image and sound. Video Games allow humans to create, live in and have conversations with new multimodal worlds. In this ground-breaking new textbook, best-selling author and experienced gamer, James Paul Gee, sets out a new theory and method of discourse analysis which applies to language, the real world, science and video games. Rather than analysing the language of video games, this book uses discourse analysis to study games as communicational forms. Gee argues that language, science, games and everyday life are deeply related and each is a series of conversations. Discourse analysis should not be just about language, but about human interactions with the world, with games, and with each other, interactions that make meaning and sustain lives amid risk and complexity. Written in a highly accessible style and drawing on a wide range of video games from World of Warcraft and Chibi-Robo to Tetris, this engaging textbook is essential reading for students in discourse analysis, new media and digital culture.


Book Synopsis Unified Discourse Analysis by : James Paul Gee

Download or read book Unified Discourse Analysis written by James Paul Gee and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2014-06-20 with total page 218 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Discourse Analysis is becoming increasingly "multimodal", concerned primarily with the interplay of language, image and sound. Video Games allow humans to create, live in and have conversations with new multimodal worlds. In this ground-breaking new textbook, best-selling author and experienced gamer, James Paul Gee, sets out a new theory and method of discourse analysis which applies to language, the real world, science and video games. Rather than analysing the language of video games, this book uses discourse analysis to study games as communicational forms. Gee argues that language, science, games and everyday life are deeply related and each is a series of conversations. Discourse analysis should not be just about language, but about human interactions with the world, with games, and with each other, interactions that make meaning and sustain lives amid risk and complexity. Written in a highly accessible style and drawing on a wide range of video games from World of Warcraft and Chibi-Robo to Tetris, this engaging textbook is essential reading for students in discourse analysis, new media and digital culture.


Language and Reality

Language and Reality

Author: Kanti Lal Das

Publisher: Northern Book Centre

Published: 2006

Total Pages: 248

ISBN-13: 9788172112127

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Language is always directed to Reality whatever its nature may be. The valuable articles incorporated in this book examine the following questions in particular:? What is relation between Language and Reality??What are different dimensions of Reality? Can all types of Reality be expressed through language??Can the relation between Language and Reality be explained as internal or external??Can meaning of Language be equated with its existence?All the contributors of this Volume have discussed at length, the relation between Language and Reality from the Eastern as well as Western perspectives. This volume is the result of intensive and matured thinking of the scholars working in this field for a longer period of time.


Book Synopsis Language and Reality by : Kanti Lal Das

Download or read book Language and Reality written by Kanti Lal Das and published by Northern Book Centre. This book was released on 2006 with total page 248 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Language is always directed to Reality whatever its nature may be. The valuable articles incorporated in this book examine the following questions in particular:? What is relation between Language and Reality??What are different dimensions of Reality? Can all types of Reality be expressed through language??Can the relation between Language and Reality be explained as internal or external??Can meaning of Language be equated with its existence?All the contributors of this Volume have discussed at length, the relation between Language and Reality from the Eastern as well as Western perspectives. This volume is the result of intensive and matured thinking of the scholars working in this field for a longer period of time.


The Linguistic Construction of Reality

The Linguistic Construction of Reality

Author: George William Grace

Publisher: George Grace

Published: 1987

Total Pages: 164

ISBN-13: 9780709938866

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Book Synopsis The Linguistic Construction of Reality by : George William Grace

Download or read book The Linguistic Construction of Reality written by George William Grace and published by George Grace. This book was released on 1987 with total page 164 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:


Language and Reality

Language and Reality

Author: Wilbur Marshall Urban

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2014-06-03

Total Pages: 768

ISBN-13: 1317851951

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First published in 2002. This is Volume XV of seventeen in the Library of Philosophy series on Metaphysics. Written in 1939, this book looks at Language and Reality and the Philosophy of Language and the Principles of Symbolism and is related to the movement of Logical Positivism, initiated by Wittgenstein's Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus.


Book Synopsis Language and Reality by : Wilbur Marshall Urban

Download or read book Language and Reality written by Wilbur Marshall Urban and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2014-06-03 with total page 768 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: First published in 2002. This is Volume XV of seventeen in the Library of Philosophy series on Metaphysics. Written in 1939, this book looks at Language and Reality and the Philosophy of Language and the Principles of Symbolism and is related to the movement of Logical Positivism, initiated by Wittgenstein's Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus.


Exploring the Relationship Between Words and Reality

Exploring the Relationship Between Words and Reality

Author: Genalin Jimenez

Publisher: Genalin Jimenez

Published: 2024-02-18

Total Pages: 96

ISBN-13:

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Discover the fascinating book, "Exploring the Relationship Between Words and Reality," and delve into the profound influence language has on our perception of the world. Gain insights into the intricate connection between words and reality with this thought-provoking read. Language is a powerful tool that shapes our thoughts, perceptions, and understanding of the world. In "Exploring the Relationship Between Words and Reality," the author unravels the complex connection between language and reality, shedding light on the profound impact words have on our daily lives. This captivating book takes readers on a journey to understand the nuances of language, its role in shaping our thoughts, and its power to influence our perception of reality. The Significance of Language: As humans, we use language to express our thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Through words, we communicate with one another, share knowledge, and forge connections. Language serves as the bridge that connects us to the world around us, enabling us to make sense of our experiences and construct our reality. The Interplay Between Words and Perception: How do words shape our perception of reality? The author of "Exploring the Relationship Between Words and Reality" explores this intriguing question, revealing the intricate interplay between language and perception. Through vivid examples and thought-provoking insights, readers gain a deeper understanding of how words can influence and even alter their perception of the world. Words as Filters: The Power of Framing. One of the ways language impacts our perception is through framing. Different words and phrases can frame our understanding of a particular situation, leading us to form different interpretations. For example, consider the phrases "economic downturn" and "temporary setback." The choice of words dramatically influences our perception of the situation, whether we perceive it as a dire crisis or a temporary hurdle. By acknowledging the power of framing, we can become more aware of how words shape our thinking. Language and Reality: Is There a Disconnect? "Exploring the Relationship Between Words and Reality" delves into the intriguing question of whether our language accurately reflects reality or distorts it. While language allows us to communicate and share our experiences, it's essential to recognize that it is not a perfect mirror of reality. Words can be subjective, and their meaning may vary across different contexts and cultures. Understanding this disconnect between language and reality helps us become more conscious of the limitations of our linguistic framework. The Influence of Culture and Context. Culture and context play a crucial role in how we interpret words and their meanings. As readers dive into "Exploring the Relationship Between Words and Reality," they will explore how different cultures and contexts shape language and influence our understanding of reality. This exploration opens up a gateway to cultural empathy, fostering a deeper appreciation for diverse perspectives and enhancing our ability to communicate effectively across cultural boundaries. The Ever-Evolving Language. Language is not static; it constantly evolves and adapts to reflect the changing world. In "Exploring the Relationship Between Words and Reality," readers gain insights into the dynamic nature of language and its continuous evolution. From the emergence of new words and phrases to the evolution of slang and idioms, this book highlights the fascinating ways in which language mirrors societal changes and enriches our communication. "Exploring the Relationship Between Words and Reality" offers readers a profound journey into the intricate connection between language and perception. Through captivating, thought-provoking insights, this book challenges readers to critically examine the role of words in shaping their understanding of the world. By gaining a deeper awareness of the power of language and its impact on our reality, readers can cultivate a more nuanced and empathetic approach to communication. Embark on this literary adventure today and unlock the secrets of the relationship between words and reality.


Book Synopsis Exploring the Relationship Between Words and Reality by : Genalin Jimenez

Download or read book Exploring the Relationship Between Words and Reality written by Genalin Jimenez and published by Genalin Jimenez. This book was released on 2024-02-18 with total page 96 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Discover the fascinating book, "Exploring the Relationship Between Words and Reality," and delve into the profound influence language has on our perception of the world. Gain insights into the intricate connection between words and reality with this thought-provoking read. Language is a powerful tool that shapes our thoughts, perceptions, and understanding of the world. In "Exploring the Relationship Between Words and Reality," the author unravels the complex connection between language and reality, shedding light on the profound impact words have on our daily lives. This captivating book takes readers on a journey to understand the nuances of language, its role in shaping our thoughts, and its power to influence our perception of reality. The Significance of Language: As humans, we use language to express our thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Through words, we communicate with one another, share knowledge, and forge connections. Language serves as the bridge that connects us to the world around us, enabling us to make sense of our experiences and construct our reality. The Interplay Between Words and Perception: How do words shape our perception of reality? The author of "Exploring the Relationship Between Words and Reality" explores this intriguing question, revealing the intricate interplay between language and perception. Through vivid examples and thought-provoking insights, readers gain a deeper understanding of how words can influence and even alter their perception of the world. Words as Filters: The Power of Framing. One of the ways language impacts our perception is through framing. Different words and phrases can frame our understanding of a particular situation, leading us to form different interpretations. For example, consider the phrases "economic downturn" and "temporary setback." The choice of words dramatically influences our perception of the situation, whether we perceive it as a dire crisis or a temporary hurdle. By acknowledging the power of framing, we can become more aware of how words shape our thinking. Language and Reality: Is There a Disconnect? "Exploring the Relationship Between Words and Reality" delves into the intriguing question of whether our language accurately reflects reality or distorts it. While language allows us to communicate and share our experiences, it's essential to recognize that it is not a perfect mirror of reality. Words can be subjective, and their meaning may vary across different contexts and cultures. Understanding this disconnect between language and reality helps us become more conscious of the limitations of our linguistic framework. The Influence of Culture and Context. Culture and context play a crucial role in how we interpret words and their meanings. As readers dive into "Exploring the Relationship Between Words and Reality," they will explore how different cultures and contexts shape language and influence our understanding of reality. This exploration opens up a gateway to cultural empathy, fostering a deeper appreciation for diverse perspectives and enhancing our ability to communicate effectively across cultural boundaries. The Ever-Evolving Language. Language is not static; it constantly evolves and adapts to reflect the changing world. In "Exploring the Relationship Between Words and Reality," readers gain insights into the dynamic nature of language and its continuous evolution. From the emergence of new words and phrases to the evolution of slang and idioms, this book highlights the fascinating ways in which language mirrors societal changes and enriches our communication. "Exploring the Relationship Between Words and Reality" offers readers a profound journey into the intricate connection between language and perception. Through captivating, thought-provoking insights, this book challenges readers to critically examine the role of words in shaping their understanding of the world. By gaining a deeper awareness of the power of language and its impact on our reality, readers can cultivate a more nuanced and empathetic approach to communication. Embark on this literary adventure today and unlock the secrets of the relationship between words and reality.


Language, Truth and Logic

Language, Truth and Logic

Author: Alfred Jules Ayer

Publisher: Courier Corporation

Published: 2012-04-18

Total Pages: 175

ISBN-13: 0486113094

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"A delightful book … I should like to have written it myself." — Bertrand Russell First published in 1936, this first full-length presentation in English of the Logical Positivism of Carnap, Neurath, and others has gone through many printings to become a classic of thought and communication. It not only surveys one of the most important areas of modern thought; it also shows the confusion that arises from imperfect understanding of the uses of language. A first-rate antidote for fuzzy thought and muddled writing, this remarkable book has helped philosophers, writers, speakers, teachers, students, and general readers alike. Mr. Ayers sets up specific tests by which you can easily evaluate statements of ideas. You will also learn how to distinguish ideas that cannot be verified by experience — those expressing religious, moral, or aesthetic experience, those expounding theological or metaphysical doctrine, and those dealing with a priori truth. The basic thesis of this work is that philosophy should not squander its energies upon the unknowable, but should perform its proper function in criticism and analysis.


Book Synopsis Language, Truth and Logic by : Alfred Jules Ayer

Download or read book Language, Truth and Logic written by Alfred Jules Ayer and published by Courier Corporation. This book was released on 2012-04-18 with total page 175 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "A delightful book … I should like to have written it myself." — Bertrand Russell First published in 1936, this first full-length presentation in English of the Logical Positivism of Carnap, Neurath, and others has gone through many printings to become a classic of thought and communication. It not only surveys one of the most important areas of modern thought; it also shows the confusion that arises from imperfect understanding of the uses of language. A first-rate antidote for fuzzy thought and muddled writing, this remarkable book has helped philosophers, writers, speakers, teachers, students, and general readers alike. Mr. Ayers sets up specific tests by which you can easily evaluate statements of ideas. You will also learn how to distinguish ideas that cannot be verified by experience — those expressing religious, moral, or aesthetic experience, those expounding theological or metaphysical doctrine, and those dealing with a priori truth. The basic thesis of this work is that philosophy should not squander its energies upon the unknowable, but should perform its proper function in criticism and analysis.