Meaning and Reference
Meaning refers to the concepts or ideas that words or expressions convey, while reference is about the actual objects, people, or situations that these words point to in the world. In the context of the Private Language Argument, philosophers like Ludwig Wittgenstein argue that a language understood only by one person lacks a shared reference, making it impossible to communicate effectively. Thus, meaning is rooted in social interaction and public criteria, not just individual experience. This challenges the idea that one can have a private language that conveys meaning without reference to a wider community.
Additional Insights
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In general knowledge, "meaning" refers to what a word, phrase, or concept signifies or conveys. It encompasses the ideas or information that we associate with that term. "Reference," on the other hand, is about the specific thing, person, or concept that the word or phrase points to in the real world. For instance, the meaning of "dog" relates to the idea of a domesticated animal, while its reference would be the actual dogs you see around you. Essentially, meaning is about interpretation, while reference is about connection to reality.