Language games (Edexcel A-Level Religious Studies): Flashcards

Language gains meaning from social context, not empirical analysis

Words gain meaning from how they're used in social/cultural context

Each discourse type (scientific, religious) has unique rules

Each language game operates by own rules, not universal logic

Words like 'God', 'faith' used differently in religious contexts

Cultural/social context where a language game is played

Should be understood on own terms, not scientific criteria

Religious language meaningful in own game, not just if verifiable

Logical positivist: religious language meaningless if unverifiable

Rules of different games can't be fully translated into each other

Don't look for the meanings; look for the use

Two different groups with different definitions of God

Context crucial for understanding; social environments inform ideas

Religious people claim statements have reality across all contexts

Where does language game itself get meaning? Needs external link