维特根斯坦语义理论刍议

On Wittgenstein's Theories of Meaning

维特根斯坦在前、后期哲学中提出了两种迥异的语义理论 ,即“图像论”和“工具 (用法 )论”。分析对比这两种关于意义的比喻方式被认为是“理解维特根斯坦后期哲学 ,进而认识它和早期哲学之差异的捷径”。前期维特根斯坦认为 ,(理想 )语言系统与世界本体论系统存在着对应性映现关系 ,这种关系通过“图像”比喻能够充分地得以显示 ;语言命题正是作为世界的逻辑图像才具有相应的意义。后期维特根斯坦批判拒斥“图像论” ,提出了“工具 (用法 )论” ,认为在一定意义上语词乃至整个语言就是一种工具 ,依据不同的目的 ,具有不同的用途 ,其意义就在于它的具体用法。

In the earlier and later periods of his philosophical career, Wittgenstein advanced two distinct theories of meaning, i.e., 'the picture theory of meaning' and 'the use (tool) theory' of meaning. It is believed that a contrastive analysis of the two metaphors of meaning will provide us with 'a shortcut for understanding Wittgenstein's later philosophy and then seeing its difference from his earlier philosophy'. In the earlier period, Wittgenstein held that between the language system and the ontological system of the world there exists a correspondingly reflective relationship that is fully embodied in the metaphor of 'picture'. The proposition of language has meaning just because it serves as the logical picture of the world. But in the later period Wittgenstein refuted 'the picture theory' and advanced 'the tool (use) theory of meaning' in the belief that in a sense the linguistic expression (or even the language as a whole) serves as a tool with different uses for different purposes. So its meaning lies in its concrete use.