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

Wittgenstein: Language functions like game w/ rules from context/form of life

Words gain meaning from use in context, not fixed meaning

Different discourses (science, ethics, religion) have unique rules

Each language game has own rules; no single universal logic

Religious terms meaningful in religious context, not empirical

Cultural/social context where language game is played

Religious language has own criteria, not judged by scientific standards

Religious language meaningful in own game even if not verifiable

Different games can't be fully translated; use different rules

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

Two different groups w/ different definitions of God

Religious people claim statements have reality across all contexts

Where does language game get meaning? Needs external link

People understand language outside their beliefs; dividing harmful