Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Language and Nihilism
As we were discussing how Nihilism is the belief in nothing, I couldn't help but wonder what nihilists think of language. Based on the conclusions we came to in class today, I would say that nihilists (I'm thinking specifically political nihilists) would reject the idea of language because it is a social institution. If that is the case, could we say that nihilism is highly individualized to the point where not even thoughts are thought because they require language in order to materialize? In which case, I agree with Professor Vaught that nihilism doesn't even seem possible. Help me figure this one out. -Meaghan F.
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I agree. It would seem that nihilists' rejection of almost everything would indicate that they think thoughts are nothing as well. Professor Vaught brought up Descartes "I think therefore I am" theory which proves existence. This would serve as a good contrast to nihilists view of thoughts. The idea that thoughts are nothing seems impossible, because you cannot doubt that thoughts exist, because I am thinking even as I write this post. -Johnny D.
ReplyDeleteIt is difficult to dissect this problem because if we say language does not exist; thus thoughts cannot exist, aren’t we saying that Nihilist have no thoughts? Even though their point of view is that nothing serves a purpose in life and thoughts and ideas are basically worthless and meaningless, I don’t think they could go to the extend to conclude that that thoughts are also non-existing . Their thoughts give them this radical belief in the first place because they are adhering to some form of consciousness in order to carry out these illogical actions and beliefs. Therefore, to say Nihilists believe that language does not exist would have to support the idea that “Nihilist belief” cannot be in existence either. -Janine R.
ReplyDeleteAll of these ideas are great above. However something else has come to my mind. In class we talked a lot about how radical skepticism could not work for Nihilists.We talked about how skepticism shouldn't play into this idea at all and that Nihilists only want to break down whole ideas to start rebuilding from the beginning. I understand that radical skepticism is when you are doubtful about the life around you. I personally don't think Nihilism should be considered a real belief, but if is was, I think some sort of skepticism would have to play into it. You have to skeptical about something before you can really break it down and try and see it for what it really is. Skepticism is part of Nihilism and if they were really able to make the idea go full circle, I would be inclined to think twice about my life. -Maisie
ReplyDeleteI want to start by saying that language is essential to all aspects of society. So if we look at the idea that Nihilists want to break down whole ideas to start rebuilding from the beginning, like Maisie said in the previous comment, then I think language would be a great place for Nihilists to start (at least if they're looking at obvious social aspects of life). I think it would cause a ripple effect. If you reconstruct how people communicate then you change a lot of what the experience of life is. Thoughts? -Meaghan F.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with these comments and the idea the nihilism could not exist. I would assume a nihilist would say that language is nothing and meaningless. However, I wonder if they could believe in it because scientists think we are born with the ability to develop a language. There is a lot of evidence to say it is natural to us so is it possible for them to support language or are they still too skeptical to agree with language and thoughts? Mary H.
ReplyDeleteThe idea of language being an inherent trait within humans is interesting with regards to the nihilists. If they were to agree that humans are naturally inclined to speak, then perhaps their views on individual differences among languages would be a negative one. I have a tough time grasping where they would draw the line. However, I am fairly confident that nihilists would not reject thought as meaningless. For without some thought, their viewpoints would not have come into existence. This is the issue we were discussing yesterday, where everything within nihilism almost seems to contradict itself.
ReplyDeleteI also find Nihilism very confusing, especially now that language was brought into the equation. I see where Meaghan is coming from in regards to political nihilists rejecting language. I had never thought about it before but now I completely understand why one would question whether or not these nihilists believe in language. Without language, it would be nearly impossible for people to communicate with each other. If political nihilists reject institutions, how could they not reject language too? I guess, for me, the question would be, how would they (political nihilists) communicate and form beliefs with each other without the use of language? Even with thoughts we are using language to develop ideas in our minds. Therefore, I am no completely sure as to where Nihilists stand in regards to language but I find it hard to believe that they could find a way to refute such an invaluable aspect of every day life.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading the above comments, I strongly believe that a nihilistic view in just unrealistic. It is not plausible to be able to reject all social norms and institutions. Language is a great example, as there is no way to reject language and still be able to communicate about values and viewpoints. I think that rejecting social and political norms can only be done in theory, and cannot be fully executed. Nihilists have very specific views, but I don't believe they are able to live up to all of these, as it is nearly impossible.
ReplyDeleteThis is a really interesting blog post. I definitely agree with you, Meaghan, that radical nihilism seems impossible. Language is a means by which we communicate our thoughts to others. We think in words and images, but we use the words to describe the images we see. How could a nihilist completely stop using language because he/she denies it since it’s a social institution? I think it’s impossible. Perhaps less radical nihilists would say language is simply a means by which I can form an idea about the world, rather than a means to communicate with others. Nihilists could never be fully functioning members of society if they completely opposed language and all social constructs. Living a life of total isolation is extremely hard considering that we are social beings.
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