Lectures on a Philosophy Less Ordinary: Language and Morality in J.L. Austin’s Philosophy

This book offers a fresh perspective on J.L. Austin's philosophy, challenging the notion that he was solely a philosopher of language and demonstrating his interest in debunking the fact/value dichotomy. It explores how Austin's ideas can be applied to contemporary philosophical problems such as linguistic inheritance, truth, and the relationship between language and morality. Appealing to scholars and advanced students in these fields.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 254 pages
Publication date: 29 January 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book offers a comprehensive reinterpretation of J.L. Austin's philosophy, opening new avenues for thinking about ethics and other contemporary issues in the wake of Austin's profound philosophical work. While Austin is primarily recognized as a philosopher of language, whose work centered on the pragmatic aspects of speech, his contributions to ordinary language philosophy and speech act theory are considered his most significant contributions to philosophy. This book challenges the prevailing view that Austin's theoretical notions were merely heuristic tools used to debunk the fact/value dichotomy. Furthermore, it demonstrates that Austin's relentless focus on the ordinary is driven by a desire to expose the complexity and multifaceted nature of our lives in language. What emerges is an attempt to engage with Austin on problems that remain central to philosophy today, such as the question of linguistic inheritance, truth, the relationship between a language inherited and morality, and how we should navigate linguistic elasticity and historicity.

Lectures on a Philosophy Less Ordinary will appeal to scholars and advanced students engaged in the study of Austin's philosophy, philosophy of language, and the history of analytic philosophy. It provides a deep and insightful exploration of Austin's ideas, challenging readers to think critically and explore new perspectives on these important philosophical topics. Whether you are a seasoned scholar or a newcomer to Austin's work, this book offers valuable insights and perspectives that will enhance your understanding of his philosophy and its relevance to contemporary thought.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032112466