Language and the Aletheia Connection


 Saussure's Perspective on Language and the Aletheia Connection

Introduction

“Other sciences work with objects that are given in advance and can then be considered from different points of view; but not in linguistics. Someone pronounces the French word nu (“naked”). A superficial observer would be tempted to locate the concrete linguistic object there, but upon more careful examination, one successively finds three or four quite different things, depending on whether the word is considered as a sound, as the expression of an idea, as the equivalent of the Latin nudum, etc. Far from being the object that precedes the point of view, it would seem that it is the point of view that creates the object; besides nothing tells us in advance that one way of considering the fact in question takes precedence over the others or is in any way superior to them”. CGL

The study of language takes on a unique complexity that sets it apart from other sciences. Ferdinand de Saussure introduced a groundbreaking perspective that challenges conventional notions of language, truth and objectivity. This blog post explores the convergence of Saussure's dictum, "it is the point of view that creates the object," with the philosophical concept of aletheia, which encapsulates the dynamic process of revealing and conceiving truth.

Aletheia: Unveiling the Nuances of Truth

Aletheia, rooted in Greek philosophy and later revisited by Martin Heidegger, transcends the simplistic definition of "truth." Instead, it delves into the idea of "unconcealment" or "unveiling." Aletheia contends that truth involves both revealing and concealing, embracing the intricate duality inherent in reality. This nuanced understanding encourages a humble approach to truth, acknowledging the limitations of human perception and the ever-changing nature of the world.

Saussurean Linguistics: A Janus-Like Perspective

Saussure's influential dictum c`est le point de vue qui crèe l´object echoes the multifaceted nature of aletheia, asserting that the linguistic object is not given in advance but is shaped by the observer's point of view. This aligns with the dynamic process of revealing and concealing, akin to the duality embodied by the Greek god Janus. Just as Janus looks to the future and the past simultaneously, linguistic objects manifest different facets depending on the adopted perspective.

Duality in Linguistic Objects: Sound, Meaning, and Social Conventions

The duality in linguistic objects is evident when considering various aspects of language. For instance, a unit of sound in speech is not merely a physical articulation but gains significance when associated with an idea or thought. Moreover, individual speech acts are intricately tied to social conventions, emphasizing the communal nature of language. Saussure's emphasis on the social dimension of language resonates with the Greek notion of aletheia, acknowledging the societal context that shapes linguistic meaning.

Historical Perspective: The Evolution of Language

Language, much like truth, is not static. Saussure's dictum acknowledges that the present state of language is an inheritance from the past. This historical perspective aligns with the concept of aletheia, recognizing the continuous process of uncovering and covering up over time. Language evolves, reflecting the dynamic nature of reality and the interplay of various perspectives.

Unveiling Truth through Linguistic Perspectives

In conclusion, Saussure's dictum and the concept of aletheia converge in their recognition of the intricate interplay between revealing and concealing. The linguistic object, much like truth, is multifaceted and shaped by the subjective vantage point. Understanding language requires an appreciation of the dual nature inherent in its components and the perspectives from which they are examined.

Bibliography

Saussure, Ferdinand de. 1916. Cours de linguistique générale. Edited by Charles Bally and Albert Sechehaye, with Albert Riedlinger. Libraire Payot.

Saussure, Ferdinand de. "Course in General Linguistics." Translated and annotated by Roy Harris. With a new introduction by Roy Harris. Bloomsbury, 2013.

Woleński, Jan. "Aletheia in Greek Thought until Aristotle." Annals of Pure and Applied Logic 127 (2004): 339–360. Institute of Philosophy, Jagiellonian University, Grodzka 52, Krakow 31-043, Poland. Elsevier B.V., 2003.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aletheia

 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

A Conversation with Saussure

Image
  A Conversation with Le Maître Student : I arrived in Geneva last night from France, taking the 8.45 train from Paris. I was eager to meet you because I stumbled upon a book that references your teachings. I'd like to read a passage from it and hear your thoughts: "In the eyes of Saussure, writing is a garb of perversion and debauchery, a cloak of corruption and disguise, a masquerade that must be exorcised – in other words, fended off – by the virtuous word: 'Writing veils the appearance of language; it is not a guise for language but a disguise'. A peculiar 'image.' One might already suspect that if writing is an 'image' and an external 'figuration,' this 'representation' is not without its implications. The exterior and interior share a relationship that is, as usual, anything but mere externalization." What's your perspective on this? Saussure : Before I dive into the topic, I'd like to acknowledge that the pass...
Read more

Historia and Différance: The Interplay of Narrative and Deconstruction

Image
Objective: To examine the philosophical and narrative parallels between Herodotus and Derrida, highlighting how Herodotus’ innovative treatment of history, origins, and storytelling elucidates key dimensions of Derrida’s deconstructive philosophy. This article argues that the ancient historian offers a tangible and accessible entry point into Derrida’s complex ideas, including his critique of metaphysics, the concept of différance, and the portrayal of history as fragmented, fluid, and nonlinear. Introduction Herodotus, the "father of history," as he is often called, occupies a singular place in intellectual tradition by blending narrative exploration with philosophical inquiry. Similarly, Jacques Derrida revolutionized contemporary thought through his challenges to established notions of origins, meaning, and causality. This article explores the relationship between these two figures, analyzing how the former’s fluid approach to beginnings, storytelling, and causati...
Read more

“There Is Nothing Outside”: A Parallel Between Nietzsche and Derrida’s Radical Critiques of Metaphysics

Image
Abstract This article explores the philosophical convergence between Nietzsche’s “there is nothing outside the whole” ( es gibt nichts außer dem Ganzen ) in Twilight of the Idols and Derrida’s “there is nothing outside the text” ( il n’y a pas de hors-texte ) in Of Grammatology . Both statements dismantle metaphysical frameworks by rejecting external origins or absolute truths and affirming systems as self-referential and interwoven. Nietzsche challenges the notion of divine or teleological causation, while Derrida critiques the idea of an independent "transcendental signified." By providing the intellectual background of these declarations and analyzing their shared themes, the article illuminates their joint significance in destabilizing Western philosophical traditions and revealing the immanent, dynamic nature of existence and meaning. Introduction The lines “there is nothing outside the whole” and “there is nothing outside the text” are cornerstones of Niet...
Read more