While linguistics is a recognised field involving the scientific study of language, philosophy is a subject that can intersect with practically every topic you can think of — including language. When we analyse questions such as ‘what is truth’, ‘what is the best way to live’ and ‘is there a right way to argue’, there’s an implicit unpacking of key terms being used. We can then ask “What do we mean by truth, best, right,” and so on. 

There’s a number of terms that should be unpacked before starting to look at the history of philosophy and language — firstly, semantics and pragmatics. Semantics is the study of meaning, in language, logic and semiotics (looking at signs and symbols). Pragmatics is essentially context — looking at how and where language is used and the implications that arise. 

In these, there’s questions about logic, understanding and relationships, and while some aspects of language are theoretical and mathematical, there’s real-world applications as well. As the philosopher Wittgenstein put it:

So, is understanding language a factor when comes to understanding oneself and the world? Could you be a philosopher without it? This week will be unpacking the relationship of language and philosophy further.

Further Resources:

Routledge Encyclopaedia of Philosophy

Philosophy of language links