The Empiricist Criteria of Meaning And The Problem of Translation

Abstract

Generally speaking, the branches of philosophy have traditionally been listed to include Ethics, logic, metaphysics, epistemology and aesthetics. However, it has over the years embraced studies in socio political philosophy, philosophy of law, philosophy of mind, philosophy of language and so on. The study of language in philosophy is not in the same way as those who specialize in linguistics. However, its study creates proper understanding and removes forms of ambiguity that may be found in language in particular and communication in general. Philosophers of language have discussed many issues which includes ‘meaning’, ‘sense’, ‘reference’ and many others. In this paper we shall attempt a critical analysis of the Logical Empiricist’s criteria of ‘meaning’. The paper begins with the analysis of the concept of ‘meaning’ and why philosophers of language are so particular about ‘meaning’ either of words, sentences or expression. The paper also examines logical empiricist criteria of meaning and its relevance to communication and translation of words or statements. The paper argues that the empiricist criteria of meaning entails some absurdities and poses serious problem to communication and translation in human society. Thus, it should not be accepted in absolute term.

Keywords: Logical empiricism, Language, Meaningfulness, Communication and Society.