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LANGUAGE / READING THREAD
How does meaning become public?
The linguistic turn places meaning, reference, rules, and use at philosophy’s center. Language does not simply describe facts; promises, names, laws, and identities also create normative facts.
THREE STARTING QUESTIONS
01
How do names reach objects in the world?
02
Does meaning come from definitions or use?
03
Who has the authority to change institutions with words?
Key ThinkersFregeRussellWittgensteinAustin
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01Language entries
How Do Words Reach the World?
Starting with Frege’s sense–reference distinction, this entry introduces disputes over descriptions, direct reference, and causal chains of naming.
Can Saying Something Be Doing Something?
Beginning with performative utterances, this entry explains felicity conditions, effects on hearers, and the role of authority and social norms.