The Poetics of Language: Reality, Thought, Language and the World

  • Published : 2002.10.01

Abstract

The paper argues for the necessicity of revising many fundamental concepts that we use in everyday situations and in communication such as reality, thought, language, the world and finally the truth. The paper develops the argument that what the word ′truth′ actually signifies cannot be addressed just by explicating what philosophy, science or even religion denote but that it can only be answered fully by the study of language and therefore in a larger context linguistics. Language is the very tool that enriches the communication between one another due to its diverse significations that one may use when expressing one′s views, thereby making life more enjoyable. The paper develops why the above corresponding argument should be justified by developing three outstanding views as follows. The world or reality is indistinguishable from the common worldview that we associate with without the means of language. That the worldview is in essence inseparable from the mental and intellectual representation of it and the only means of expression lies with language. And finally, that the language is a complex signification in itself in every aspect. Language in short is the very essence of what we define as being ′poetic.′ With these arguments in mind, we may once again ponder the signification of Nietzsche′s words when he states that "to see science through the lens of art, and art through the lens of life."

Keywords