Repeatability and methodical actions in uncertain situations

Author(s)

Michael Funk

Abstract

In this paper Ludwig Wittgenstein is interpreted as a philosopher of language and technology. Due to current developments, a special focus is on lifeworld practice and technoscientific research. In particular, image-interpretation is used as a concrete methodical example. Whereas in most science- or technology-related Wittgenstein interpretations the focus is on the Tractatus, the Investigations or On Certainty, in this paper the primary source is his very late triune fragment Bemerkungen über die Farben (“Remarks about the Colours”). It is argued that Wittgenstein’s approach can supplement Don Ihde’s concept of material hermeneutics, and that Wittgenstein’s constructivist and pragmatist claims relate to current authors in the philosophy of technology like Peter Janich, Carl Mitcham, or Jürgen Mittelstraß. Ludwig Wittgenstein enables a philosophical approach of transcendental grammars, techno-linguistic forms of life and technoscientific language games. In detail, several methodological aspects regarding relations between language and technology are summarized. Here concretely repeatability and methodical actions play major roles in uncertain situations of language and technology practice. It is shown that Wittgenstein is still underestimated in the philosophy of technology—although his thoughtful conceptualizations of language, social practice and technology bear important methodical insights for current technosciences like synthetic biology, robotics and many others.

Organisation(s)

Department of Philosophy

Journal

Techne: Research in Philosophy and Technology

Volume

22

Pages

352-376

No. of pages

25

ISSN

0161-7249

DOI

https://doi.org/10.5840/techne201812388

Publication date

01-2018

Peer reviewed

Yes

Austrian Fields of Science 2012

603124 Theory of science

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Philosophy, History and Philosophy of Science

Portal url

https://ucris.univie.ac.at/portal/en/publications/repeatability-and-methodical-actions-in-uncertain-situations(2fa7b461-ed06-4255-ae07-fdf8002fd0af).html