Wittgenstein’s Language Games

• 1. Language is used in different contexts


  The context in which language is used matters. For example, if you say field, it'll mean something different for different people (a physicist, a farmer and a sports commentator). Similarly, to describe one as King, someone may interpret it as God as King or the actual King of the country
• 2. The meaning of the word is in its use


  You cannot use religious words if you do not know its use, just like a tool
• 3. If we do not know the rules, we cannot join the game


  Just like in a football game, if you do not know the rules you cannot participate. The same for religion. How can you take part in transubstantiation if you don't know its meaning
• 4. We can say what a word means once we have used it in context


  Once you have absorbed yourself in a game and learnt the language, you can use it in context. Eg chess
• 5. Religious beliefs

  A belief in judgement day, whether or not this has meaning, shapes how one lives their life. A belief in salvation through Jesus shapes how one lives too
• How does Wittgenstein respond to VP and FP?

  1. Sometimes cognitive and sometimes non cognitive. Cannot apply non cognitive to VP or FP

  2. Not all about facts, about interpreting life. Meaning can change

  3. You cannot verify or falsify a game

  4. Interpreting world around us, does not use facts

  5. Blik - does not apply
• A01 Paragraph Example for Wittgenstein 1/2

  Wittgenstein’s language games is a non-cognitive approach to religious language. He breaks down his argument into five points. One of the key parts of his argument is the context of words; he states that the meaning of any statement depends upon the context in which it is used and this is essential to understand religion. For example, to declare that ‘God exists’, is to express faith or indicate a particular form of life.
• A01 Paragraph Example for Wittgenstein 2/2

  The meaning of the statement does not depend upon external facts. This will also mould the way a believer will live. If they believe that Christianity is based upon ‘agape’ their life will be one of sacrificial giving. Moreover, if they accept that God is love, their life will become one dedicated to acts of love. Language is more than facts, it represents something else that holds significance for the believer.