Wittgenstein's later philosophy rejected the idea that words have fixed meanings tied to mental images or objects. Instead, meaning emerges from language games—the social practices in which words are used. 'Pain' means what it means because of how the word functions in our practices of care, expression, and treatment. This view challenges traditional semantics but raises questions about how language games can be shared or communicated across different communities.
It can be inferred from the text that
all words have fixed meanings that are universally understood
Wittgenstein's early philosophy supported language games
social practices have no role in determining meaning
shifting from one account of meaning may address some problems while raising others
Correct Answer: D
Choice D is the best answer. Language games view "challenges traditional semantics but raises questions."
- Context clues: The view replaces fixed meanings (solving problems) but creates questions about cross-community communication (new problems).
- Meaning: Trading one framework for another involves trade-offs.
- Verify: The word "but" signals that the solution creates new issues.
đź’ˇ Strategy: When a new theory solves some problems but raises others, infer the trade-off structure.
Choice A is incorrect because Wittgenstein rejected fixed meanings. Choice B is incorrect because language games come from his "later philosophy." Choice C is incorrect because meaning "emerges from" social practices.