Abstract

MOTA, Sergio. Two conceptions of language: Wittgenstein and Chomsky on recursion as a “good” explanation of human nature. Prax. filos. [online]. 2018, n.46, pp.125-149. ISSN 0120-4688.  https://doi.org/10.25100/pfilosofica.v0i46.6154.

My major aim in this paper is to discuss whether the property of recursion provides a good explanation of human specificity. In so doing, I will analyze two approaches to the study of natural language: the computational and the anthropological conceptions. The main conclusion of this work is twofold. On the one hand, I argue that recursion is not a good explanation of human essence. On the other hand, what is, indeed, specifically human is the construction of a mythology with a metaphysical slant, in this particular case, in the guise of the language of science.

Keywords : Wittgenstein; Chomsky; Language; Recursion; Computational Conception; Anthropological Conception.

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