"Speech Acts: An Essay in the Philosophy of Language"

"Speech Acts: An Essay in the Philosophy of Language" by J.L. Austin explores how saying something can do more than just convey information; it can also perform actions. For example, when someone says "I apologize" or "I promise," they're not just speaking words but actively performing those actions. Austin introduces the idea that language functions in different ways—asserting, commanding, questioning, and performing actions—all within everyday conversations. This work helps us understand that language is a tool for action and social interaction, shaping how we communicate and understand each other in various contexts.