Rediscovering Reality: A Peircean Critique of the Linguistic Turn
Introduction This article examines the evolution of philosophy's role in relation to the natural sciences, the emergence of the Linguistic Turn , and offers a critique of its focus on symbols (concepts, mathematical formulas, etc.) from a Peircean perspective. The Linguistic Turn fundamentally redefined philosophy, emphasizing the study of language and symbols, and shifting the discipline away from empirical engagement. This approach, while deepening our understanding of conceptual relationships, risks narrowing the discipline’s scope. Charles Sanders Peirce’s semiotic theory, which integrates icons (resemblances), indices (causal connections), and symbols (language), offers a richer way to connect thought and reality. His analysis underscores the need for a balanced strategy that values experiential insight alongside cognitive clarity. Historical Background of Philosophy and the Natural Sciences In antiquity, philosophers like Aristotle and Plato regarded philosophy as ...