Kamis, 14 Januari 2010

Theory of Knowledge: Language

Compare the following quotes: 'If you can't say it, then you don't know it.' (Hans Reichenbach) and 'I know more than I can say.' (Michael Polayani).
Michael Polayani’s quote of 'I know more than I can say.' The meaning that is brought from this quote is that language is not always the source of for all we know, as shown in this quote, at times we know alot more than we can demonstrate through the use of language. Which at times we can experience when we are presenting a certain topic and we find ourselves stuttering due to our inability to communicate it across. Most of us has experienced this feeling before; thus i feel that this quote is more correct than that of Reichenbach’s quote of 'If you can't say it, then you don't know it.' As language is not the core of all knowledge, but only a way to communicate it to the world
Along with the language being a way of knowing which can be used to push forth or demonstrate the knowledge that we have just attained and learnt, and not being the core of knowledge, the 4 language theories which connect a word to its definitions also at times say that the demonstration of linguistic knowledge by using different ways such as associating words and meanings by concepts and mental images, as well as the use of the importance of the certain word that is being said. Thus with Polayani’s quote we would probably know a certain word, and due to its importance we would be able to say it, but with a word less important we probably wouldnt be able to know it thus we wouldnt be able to say it.

1 komentar:

  1. Perhaps it would be better to use a sliding scale of knowledge, rather than a 'know' or 'don't know', yes or no answer.

    BalasHapus