Beginning at aphorism 14, Bacon presents the notion that
human language simplifies our understanding by reducing many actions and
conditions into singular words. In his example, he uses the word humid to demonstrate the idea that it is
“nothing else than a mark loosely and confusedly applied to denote a variety of
actions which will not bear to be reduced to any constant meaning” (Aphorism
59). This shows that our process of reasoning is flawed at the very basis because the definition of words are dependent on the perception of the individual using them.
Reason is formed from propositions, and, at the very root, these propositions
consist of words (Aphorism 14). If words inadequately express the specificity
needed to create sound propositions, then all our of notions fail to be
legitimized.
I feel we just need to make sure we remove the vaguness and assumptions in our words. Language is quite useful when used correctly. Wittgenstein's work on language exemplfies this.
ReplyDeleteWhat I think is comforting about the above discussion is that, in practice, the issue can be tackled. To me, language can be something that distills experience without regard to quality. In addition to that, it has been shown (above) that with the proper perspective on the nature of language, clarity can be gained. The unique thing about language is that it can be discussed. Instead of an impasse, perhaps it is important to emphasize that those propositions were carefully thought through and discussed. This discussion is, for me, the most important part because it allows for the modification of language through language. Ideally, it is this process that gives clarity.
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