Understanding is nothing else than conception caused by speech

Understanding is nothing else than conception caused by speech

Thomas Hobbes, a prominent English philosopher of the 17th century, is known for his contributions to political philosophy and his work on the nature of human understanding. One of his famous quotes, "Understanding is nothing else than conception caused by speech," sheds light on his views on the relationship between language and knowledge.

Hobbes believed that language plays a crucial role in shaping our understanding of the world around us. According to him, our ability to conceive and comprehend ideas is directly linked to the words and symbols we use to communicate with one another. In other words, language is the medium through which we make sense of our experiences and form coherent thoughts.

For Hobbes, language is not just a tool for communication but also a means of organizing and structuring our thoughts. When we hear or read words, our minds automatically process them and form mental representations of the concepts they represent. This process of conceptualization is what Hobbes refers to as understanding.