An inner process stands in need of outward criteria

An inner process stands in need of outward criteria

Ludwig Wittgenstein, one of the most influential philosophers of the 20th century, is known for his work on language, logic, and the nature of thought. One of the key ideas in Wittgenstein's philosophy is the concept that an inner process stands in need of outward criteria. This idea is central to his later work, particularly in his book "Philosophical Investigations."

Wittgenstein believed that language is not just a tool for communication, but also a reflection of our inner thoughts and experiences. He argued that our understanding of language is based on a set of rules and criteria that are determined by our social and cultural context. In other words, language is not just a matter of individual expression, but is shaped by the norms and conventions of the community in which it is used.

According to Wittgenstein, our inner thoughts and experiences are not private and inaccessible, but are inextricably linked to the external world. He believed that our thoughts and feelings are expressed through language, and that language is a public and shared phenomenon. In this sense, our inner processes are not purely subjective, but are subject to external criteria that help to shape and define them.

Wittgenstein's idea that an inner process stands in need of outward criteria has important implications for our understanding of language, thought, and communication. It challenges the traditional view of language as a purely individual and subjective phenomenon, and emphasizes the social and communal aspects of language use. It also highlights the importance of context and convention in shaping our understanding of language and thought.