Lecture Notes on J.L. Austin and Speech Acts

Introduction

• J.L. Austin & Speech Acts: First philosophy reading proper in this course.
• Focus on deep structure of language.
• Introduction to Austin's development/discovery of speech acts or performatives.
• Power and complexity of language.
• Transition to second unit of the course about deep language structure.

Background on J.L. Austin

• Austin's work: How to Do Things with Words (1962).
• Originated from lectures; titled as lectures instead of chapters.
• Speech acts or performatives are central to his work.
• Historical note: Not first to notice speech acts (Adolf Reinach in 1913).

Structure of Speech Acts

• Three Parts:
  1. Locutionary: Simple grammatical meaning.
  2. Illocutionary: Extra work done by the speech act.
  3. Perlocutionary: Desired effect of the speech act.
• Example of command: "Go close the door" involves separate action.
• In speech acts, illocutionary helps bring about the perlocutionary.

Challenges to Simplistic Notions of Language

• Austin challenges the notion that language is only for describing facts (verificationism).
• Emphasizes the complexity and power of language.
• Ordinary Language Philosophy: Understanding language by observing ordinary use.
• Austin is part of the Ordinary Language Philosophy tradition.

Verificationism

• Verificationists/Logical Positivists: Focus on verifiable statements.
• Verifications Criterion: Sentences must be analytically or synthetically verifiable.
• Criticism: Too simplistic and narrow.
• Austin argues verificationism overlooks language's deeper capabilities.

Speech Acts vs. Descriptive Sentences

• Speech acts: Do not simply convey information; they transform states of affairs.
• Examples:
  • Marriage Ceremony: "I do" changes legal and social status.
  • Naming a Ship: "I name this ship..." changes its status.
  • Betting: Contractual nature of making a bet.

Conditions for Speech Acts

• Appropriate circumstances needed for speech acts to be effective.
• Speech acts involve contractual or declaratory actions.

Truth, Falsity, and Speech Acts

• Speech acts are not true/false in the same way as descriptive sentences.
• False Promise: Indicates lack of intent, not the absence of the promise.
• Different senses of truth and falsity apply to different types of sentences.

Conclusion

• Language goes beyond simple descriptions; it can transform reality.
• Austin provides a framework for understanding how everyday language is powerful and complex.
• This lecture sets the stage for deeper exploration of language in the course.