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A Critical Analysis of Putnam's Thought Experiment: Twin Earth from a Saussurean Perspective

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  So the value of any given word is determined by what other words there are in that particular area of the vocabulary. That is true even of a word like soleil (‘sun’) . No word has a value that can be identified independently of what else there is in its vicinity.   [CGL] [160-161] Introduction Thought experiments, such as Avicenna's "Flying Man" or Schrödinger's Cat, possess a unique charm by challenging us to envision hypothetical scenarios that prompt deep philosophical reflection. This process aligns with Aristotle's philosophy, which posits that the contemplative life is the most fulfilling and happiest form of existence. In this essay, we will critically engage with another well-known thought experiment: Twin Earth, proposed by Hilary Putnam in his seminal paper "The Meaning of 'Meaning'" from the book Mind, Language, and Reality (1975). This experiment is key in illustrating Putnam's argument for semantic externalism—the v...