The following text is about philosophy of language.
Wittgenstein's later philosophy argued that meaning is not a private mental image that words represent but is instead determined by use within "language games"—patterns of activity in which language plays a role. Understanding the word "checkmate" requires understanding chess; understanding "promise" requires understanding social practices. This view challenges the idea that words have fixed, context-independent meanings. Instead, meaning varies with the "form of life" in which language is embedded, explaining why translation between radically different cultures can be so challenging.
According to the text, how does Wittgenstein's view differ from traditional theories of meaning?
He argued meaning comes from private mental images
He held that meaning derives from use in social contexts rather than fixed definitions
He believed all words have identical meanings across contexts
He denied that language can communicate ideas
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the correct answer. Wittgenstein argued meaning "is determined by use within 'language games'" and "varies with the 'form of life'"—social context rather than fixed definitions.
- Evidence: Use determines meaning; context-dependent.
- Reasoning: Social practice replaces fixed, context-free meaning.
- Conclusion: Meaning from use in social contexts.
Choice A is incorrect because he explicitly rejected private mental images. Choice C is incorrect because meaning "varies with" context. Choice D is incorrect because he analyzed how language communicates, not denied it.