Analytic philosophy: A brief appraisal
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Date
2001-11-16
Authors
Kalansuriya, A. D. P.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
Abstract
Analytic philosophers identify the very subject of Philosophy with an analysis of
words, terms, notions, expressions, statements, etc.. Wittgenstein gave a new impulse to
analytic philosophy with the radiant notion, namely, "A main source of our failure to
understand is that we do not command a clear view of the use of words." This is a clear
recognition of human failure together with a committed estimate of the ability to engineer
solutions for problems that have befallen the best brain since the Greeks.
"A clear view of the use of words." But, then, what does it mean? One has to note the
nature of the discourse, that of the doctrine, that of the argument, etc. (to which Wittgenstein
says 'language game') in which it finds expression that is its original home, in which alone it
meaning. Two conclusions follow (i) that confusions, which occupy us do not arise. (ii)
which are already there, can be dispelled. The implication being a therapeutic one reminds
of a prescription for doing philosophy. That is, putting the word in its linguistic context and
whole statement in its native context.
But, then, how does one do this? By accepting and mastering analytic techniques. The
resuIt: To bring words back from their metaphysical to everyday usage (L Wittgenstein,
'Phylosophical Investigations, 1953: 48e), implying that metaphysics does not have a logic of its
own whereas other discourses have a logic of their own. Implied are "chains of reasoning"
or "forms of life" in all discourses other than 'philosophy'; for 'philosophy' is not a discourse
an analytic activity.
Based on this concept of "chains of reasoning," one sees not only the nature of the
discourse--science, religion, aesthetics, etc. but also the limits pertaining to 'truth' or 'falsity'
of statements that come within first-order disciplines. This brings out the very base of Analytic
phylosophy understood and practiced in the English-speaking world as a second-order
discipline.
Description
Keywords
Art , Analytic , Philosophy , Appraisal
Citation
Proceedings & abstracts of the Annual Research Sessions 2001,University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka,pp.33