Private languages and private theorists

Bain, D.T. (2004) Private languages and private theorists. Philosophical Quarterly, 54(216), pp. 427-434. (doi: 10.1111/j.0031-8094.2004.00362.x)

Abstract

Simon Blackburn objects that Wittgenstein's private language argument overlooks the possibility that a private linguist can equip himself with a criterion of correctness by confirming generalizations about the patterns in which his private sensations occur. Crispin Wright responds that appropriate generalizations would be too few to be interesting. But I show that Wright's calculations are upset by his failure to appreciate both the richness of the data and the range of theories that would be available to the private linguist.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Bain, Dr David
• Authors: Bain, D.T.
• Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > B Philosophy (General); B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology; B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BD Speculative Philosophy
• College/School: College of Arts & Humanities > School of Humanities > Philosophy
• Journal Name: Philosophical Quarterly
• Publisher: Blackwell Publishing
• ISSN: 0031-8094
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2004 Blackwell Publishing
• First Published: First published in Philosophical Quarterly 54(216):427-434
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher