The Most Valuable Discussion About the Nature of Language That Never Took Place: From Wittgenstein to Baldwin via Calvino

Abstract

Although Ludwig Wittgenstein and James Baldwin never met, this study simulates a philosophical encounter between their respective works to explore the potential of language. James Baldwin and Ludwig Wittgenstein were both concerned with what language use is capable of and what the duty of the thinker should be. Through a qualitative analysis and synthesis of Wittgenstein’s philosophical texts and Baldwin’s fiction and essays, their views on the relationship between language and reality are evaluated. This essay examines, via Italo Calvino’s ideas on the relationship between writing and world, what the contrast Wittgenstein/Baldwin tells us about the ethics of meaning, Wittgenstein’s ‘leaves everything as it is’ conception of thought is contrasted with Baldwin’s thoughts on racism, language and the duty of the writer. While the later Wittgenstein situates meaning in everyday language games, Baldwin demonstrates that speech and writing are fundamentally politicized and morally charged. It is concluded that Baldwin drives Wittgenstein’s philosophical position further than Wittgenstein could do himself and that ethically neutral language use is itself a linguistic confusion.