On The Origin of Human Knowledge
A Cluster of Problems
I. Series’ and Meaning
When we think of the meaning of words, we think usually of their use in propositions and sentences. Some of these sentences are attempts at definition by various dictionaries and scientists and so on. If we look in greater detail at these definitions we can see that they refer to other definitions, which in their turn refer to other definitions. This is called the ‘infinite regress’ and this is the essential and irreducible feature of language, its fundamental truth.
It is possible to view this chain of reference as being one of many which construct a web or a field which is the matrix from which uses of language draw, and which, on the whole, constitutes a language’s semantic structure. When looking at definitions, we see certain concepts or signifiers which are used in an attempt to stabilize the system of reference. These can be called centers, and language can be said to rely on a network with multiple centers from which it draws meaning.
The idea that language has stable meaning is analogous to the way a counterfeit bill remains ‘legitimate’ so long as it is passed from hand to hand. What this process requires is not a positive belief in the legitimacy of the bill; it requires the non-presence of disbelief in the bill’s legitimacy. Despite what the logician might say, ‘I believe’ and ‘I do not disbelieve‘ express two differing positions. One of which is a positive belief and one of which we can call a negative belief.
Well burrowed, old mole! 