The following text discusses philosophy of language.
The private language argument, proposed by Wittgenstein, challenges the possibility of a language meaningful only to its speaker. Could someone create concepts for private sensations—an internal vocabulary only they could understand? Wittgenstein argued no: language requires criteria for correct use, and these must be publicly checkable. Private "rules" could not distinguish correct from incorrect application; whatever seemed right would be right, but that means there would be no genuine rule at all. This argument has implications for understanding mind, meaning, and the social nature of language.
Why does Wittgenstein argue private language is impossible?
People prefer to speak publicly
Without public criteria, there is no genuine distinction between correct and incorrect use
Private sensations do not exist
All thoughts must be spoken aloud
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the correct answer. Wittgenstein argued "language requires criteria for correct use, and these must be publicly checkable. Private 'rules' could not distinguish correct from incorrect application."
- Evidence: Public checkability required; private rules collapse distinction.
- Reasoning: Without external check, anything seems correct.
- Conclusion: No genuine rule without public criteria.
Choice A is incorrect because preference isn't the issue—possibility is. Choice C is incorrect because private sensations aren't denied to exist; private language about them is. Choice D is incorrect because internal language isn't necessarily spoken.