Modernism and the Language of Philosophy

This book provides a unique examination of the linguistic turn in philosophy, appealing to both analytic and continental scholars. Modernism and the Language of Philosophy explores the challenges of language in conveying truth.

This insightful work presents a distinctive perspective on the 'linguistic turn' in twentieth-century philosophy, engaging both analytic and continental traditions. Modernism and the Language of Philosophy captures the essence of modernism, characterized by its intense focus on language, its capabilities, and its inherent limitations. Philosophers, artists, and literary critics from the early twentieth century recognized the creative potential of language while also acknowledging its shortcomings in conveying complete and accurate meaning. This duality highlights a shared conviction among modernists: the pursuit of truth, particularly the kind sought by philosophers, is often deemed either meaningless or more effectively expressed through artistic mediums, particularly literature and poetry.

The book delves into the challenges posed by this modernist belief to the field of philosophy. It argues that the assumptions underpinning modernism are frequently based on unrecognized, suppressed, or denied dogmas and images. By addressing these underlying issues, Modernism and the Language of Philosophy seeks to illuminate the complexities that arise when language is the primary medium of philosophical inquiry.

Utilizing the insights of influential thinkers like Michael Dummett and Jacques Derrida, this work offers a fresh perspective on the ongoing crisis in philosophical language. Their contributions serve as a lens through which both historical and contemporary philosophical debates are examined, ultimately enriching our understanding of the intricate relationship between modernism and language in philosophy.