"How to Do Things with Words"

"How to Do Things with Words," by philosopher J.L. Austin, explores how language isn't just for describing the world but also for performing actions. For example, saying "I do" in a wedding ceremony isn't just stating a fact; it’s actually making vows that create a commitment. Austin distinguishes between "constative" utterances (descriptions that can be true or false) and "performative" utterances (speech acts that produce real change). The book explains how certain words and phrases can effect outcomes, such as promising, warning, or apologizing, emphasizing that language can be an active tool shaping social interactions.