Where does one start with a theory of man if the theory of man as an organism in an environment doesn't work and all the attributes of man which were accepted in the old modern age are now called into question: his soul, mind, freedom, will, Godlikeness? There is only one place to start: the place where man's singularity is there for all to see and cannot be called into question, even in a new age in which everything else is in dispute. That singularity is language... [citation needed]
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- When traditional definitions of man fail language remains the one undeniable trait that defines human singularity.
- In plain terms
- If old ideas about humans fail language is the only thing we can agree on.
- What can you take from it?
- Start theories of humanity with language.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What makes us human?
- Is language enough?
Another view
Other traits like tool use or reasoning might also define humans uniquely.
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