Georg Meggle: On Wittgenstein's Meaning-Instrumentalism

Abstract

There are two possible interpretations of the later Wittgenstein’s meaning ≈ use-equation: (R) use ≈ Rule-regulated use. (I) use ≈  Instrumental use. Usually, these interpretations are taken to be incompatible; and usually, this incompatibility is strongly argued for with reference to Wittgenstein’s own remarks. This lecture will prove that both positions (incompatibility-thesis as well as it’s alleged backing by Wittgenstein) are wrong.

Georg Meggle is professor emeritus in Philosophy at the University of Leipzig.  Since 2011 Guest-Professorships at Cairo (Al Azhar University and American University) and at the University of Salzburg/Austria. Main topics: Philosophy of Action, Communication and Language – and Practical Ethics, focussing on Terrorism, Just War Theory and Refugee Policy.