Language games

• how does Wittgenstein take an anti-realist approach?

  he states that it is based on the principle that language is an expression of a form of life which does not make statements true or false, but rather statements that are correctly or incorrectly used
• what is his approach known as?

  a non-cognitive approach to language
• what did he say about language?

  the meaning of words are based on their use or the function they perform as agreed by a particular group or society using them
• "dont ask for the meaning, ask for the use"
• summarise his language game argument

  • rules apply to this game and no other
  • people not in the game will not be able to understand the use of the language and it will seem to be meaningless and without purpose
  • people outside of the game will not be able to understand the rules and will not be able to criticise it
  • religious beliefs has its own language and rules
• when did he say problems occur?

  Wittgenstein states problems occur when language 'goes on holiday' - words used outside of their set of rules
• what did he say individuals cant do?

  individuals cannot create a private religious game