who came up with this principle?
wittgenstein
what did wittgenstein say about language
“dont ask for meaning, ask for the use” - reflects his belief that we should always consider the context a statement is said in
what does wittgenstein argue?
wittgenstein argues language use is like playing a game with rules
within ‘forms of life’ we have agreed rules about how words are used
meaning is therefore subjective
therefore, there are many equally correct truths
those outside a specific language should not critique the language within it
there is not one truth
strengths of language games
defends religion from verification and falification
promotes respect and pluralism - all religions are equally valid
language games captures the way social life works. through code switching, for example we talk to our parents differently to the way we talk to our friends
weaknesses of language games
suggests that inter-faith dialogue is futile, because youre not able to criticise other religions
