Language Acquisition, Functions, and Philosophical Views
Language Features
- Is acquired
- Is articulated
- Is conventional
- Is symbolic
Functions of Language Use
- Syntactic: Correct use of signs
- Semantic: Using language to talk about something
- Pragmatic: Use of language in a given context
Purposes of Language
- Referential function: Transmitting information
- Dialogic function: Communicating with others
- Social-cultural function: Transmitting social views and beliefs
Theories of Language Acquisition
- Behaviorist Theory: Babies babble, and linguistic behavior is reinforced when
Act vs. Rule Utilitarianism: Principles and Differences
Act and Rule Utilitarianism
If we consider the statement of the criterion of utilitarianism alongside the criterion of utility, we can ask what status corresponds to “utility.” In other words: is it a useful act or is it perhaps a more useful rule? We usually distinguish between two types of utilitarianism, which eventually have unmatched implications:
- Act Utilitarianism
- Rule Utilitarianism
Act Utilitarianism
Act utilitarianism involves a calculation of what we should do in each case or circumstance,
Read MoreDavid Hume’s Philosophy: Empiricism and Limits of Reason
David Hume’s Philosophy: Empiricism and the Limits of Reason
Challenging the Concept of Substance
We have knowledge of sets of impressions, but not of substance. If a quality were to repeat an impression on all substances, this is not true. The term ‘substance’ is an empty word. If we deny substance, are we denying God, the world, and myself? God, being an infinite idea not derived from any impression, is an object of faith but never of knowledge. Hume attacks the rationalistic arguments that showcase
Read MoreSuffragettes’ Fight for the Vote: Early 20th Century Activism
Suffragettes was the name given to members of women’s organizations in the early 20th century who fought for their right to vote in public elections. The term refers in particular to the members of the Women’s Social and Political Union, a women-only movement founded by Emmeline Pankhurst. This group engaged in direct actions and civil disobedience, including chaining themselves to railings, smashing windows, and setting fire to postboxes and empty buildings. They also set bombs in order to damage
Read MoreEarly Greek Philosophy: From Thales to Metaphysics
The Beginning of Philosophy
The beginnings of philosophy are generally traced back to sixth-century Greece. Several factors contributed to its emergence in this particular place and time. Greek society enjoyed a higher level of development compared to its contemporaries. A stable economy meant that Greeks did not have to constantly worry about food shortages or other subsistence problems. Relieved of this burden, they had time to ponder the fundamental questions of existence and the nature of the
Read MoreAristotle on Humanity’s Social Nature
Status of the Author and Historical Context
This text is by Aristotle, the ancient Greek philosopher. He lived in the 4th century BC and witnessed the decline of classical Greek culture.
Text Theme
This text addresses the social nature of humans, who possess reason. This is the foundation of human societies.
Main Ideas
- Nature does nothing in vain.
- Humans alone possess speech, distinguishing them from animals.
- Animals have a voice to express pain and pleasure.
- Speech allows humans to reason and judge justice