Question

Which of the following ideas belong to Wittgenstein? \[ \text{A. Picture theory of meaning} \] \[ \text{B. Meaning as use} \] \[ \text{C. Defence of private language} \] \[ \text{D. Family resemblance} \]

• A. B, C, D only
• B. A, C, D only
• C. A, B, C only
• D. A, B, D only

Hint:

Wittgenstein is connected with picture theory, meaning as use and family resemblance, but he criticized private language.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Concept:
Ludwig Wittgenstein is one of the most important philosophers of language. His early philosophy and later philosophy contain different important ideas.

Step 1: Check Picture theory of meaning.
In his early work Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus, Wittgenstein presented the picture theory of meaning. According to this theory, propositions picture facts. So: \[ A = \text{Correct} \]

Step 2: Check Meaning as use.
In his later philosophy, Wittgenstein said that the meaning of a word lies in its use in language. This is found in his language-game theory. So: \[ B = \text{Correct} \]

Step 3: Check Defence of private language.
Wittgenstein did not defend private language. Rather, he argued against the possibility of a purely private language. So: \[ C = \text{Incorrect} \]

Step 4: Check Family resemblance.
Family resemblance is a famous idea of later Wittgenstein. It explains how concepts may be connected by overlapping similarities rather than one common essence. So: \[ D = \text{Correct} \]

Step 5: Final conclusion.
The ideas belonging to Wittgenstein are: \[ A,\ B,\ D \] Hence: \[ \boxed{\text{(D) A, B, D only}} \]