Meaning And Rules In Wittgenstein's Later Philosophy

Ludwig Wittgenstein is a talented philosopher who cannot be ignored in the 20 th century.In his later period,Wittgenstein shifted from logical atomism to studying Ordinary language.He believed that the meaning of words should be explored in the use of Ordinary language,which was completely different from the previous period.The problem of rules is not only the process of the establishment of the theory of meaning—a typical use of words,but also the basis and standard for searching for meaning.Its status can be imagined.In the later period,Wittgenstein pointed out that the solution of philosophical problems lies in clearing up confusion rather than constructing theory,based on the criticism of earlier opinions and thoughts.The meaning of words is in their using;following-rules is also a way of giving meaning to words.This article mainly starts from Wittgenstein's later theory of meaning and expounds the main points of his later theory of meaning from the perspective of rules.The article consists of an introduction and three logically coherent chapters:The first chapter is an introduction to the reasons why Wittgenstein has changed from the early stage to the later stage of studying Ordinary language,that is,the background of the formation of his later theory of meaning.Wittgenstein's views in the early and late stages are obviously different or even contradictory.It is very necessary to explore the background of his later "meaning is usage" view.In general,the background factors for the change can be divided into two aspects: internal and external.First of all,there are many external contributing factors.The influence of teachers and friends and Wittgenstein's personal practical experience have a great influence on the later transformation of Ordinary language research.Secondly,in terms of internal reasons,in constant discussion and examination,Wittgenstein gradually realized that the early logical atomism theory had limitations and could not completely solve the philosophical difficulties,leading him to explore new solutions.The second chapter explains the main content of Wittgenstein's later theory of meaning from the perspective of rules.First of all,in the later theory of meaning,rules cannot be abandoned.Wittgenstein's conceptual rules apply to everyday language.The meaning of language must be explored in use,which requires that the rules that Wittgenstein understands must be considered in everyday language.For the use of everyday language,Wittgenstein proposed a "language game".In other words,the "language game" applies to everyday language rather than artificial language.Secondly,Wittgenstein also explained understanding,thinking that understanding is a kind of practical ability,the ability to obey the rules in different language games.Moreover,when the rules are proposed and understood,they must be obeyed.Wittgenstein also put forward requirements on how to obey the rules: the operation and inspection of the rules must be in the public environment,that is,the "form of life";the observance of the rules is "Blind";following the rules requires training,etc.At the same time,Wittgenstein put forward the paradox of observing the rules,further clarifying the requirements of the form of life for observing the rules,and also discussed the private language,through the discussion of feeling and privateness,in order to prove that private things cannot establish a theory of meaning.Rules are not a private thing,but a part of the form of life,meaning can only be obtained in the use of language to obey the rules.The third chapter briefly expounds the influence of Wittgenstein's theory of meaning on the Ordinary Language School.The Ordinary language school inherited Wittgenstein's emphasis on Ordinary language and the rules of context.At the same time,it briefly discussed the interpretation of Wittgenstein's compliance with the rules by Quietism.