The private language argument, from Wittgenstein, challenges the possibility of a language whose words refer to the speaker's private sensations, unknowable to others. The argument suggests that without public criteria for correct use, 'correct' and 'incorrect' become meaningless—whatever seems right to the speaker is right, which means there's no standard at all. This has implications beyond language, suggesting that even private experience requires public frameworks for its articulation.
The passage suggests that
the conditions for meaningful language use may require more than purely individual reference
Wittgenstein believed private languages are entirely possible
all language refers exclusively to private sensations
correctness in language requires no standards whatsoever
Correct Answer: A
Choice A is the best answer. Without public criteria, correct use becomes meaningless.
- Context clues: Purely private reference makes 'correct' meaningless; public criteria are needed.
- Meaning: Language requires something beyond purely individual reference.
- Verify: Private experience needs "public frameworks for its articulation."
đź’ˇ Strategy: When a purely individual condition is shown insufficient, infer something beyond the individual is required.
Choice B is incorrect because Wittgenstein "challenges the possibility" of private language. Choice C is incorrect because the argument supports public, not private, criteria. Choice D is incorrect because the argument is that standards are necessary.