Private Language Argument
Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-31
CORE DEFINITION
A language that in principle only the speaker can understand (referring to private sensations such as pain) is impossible. Because language must follow public rules; if only I know the rules, I cannot distinguish between "I am right" and "I think I am right," and the rules lose their meaning.
SCAFFOLDING EFFECT
Reduce cognitive load
Understanding the essence of communication. It completely negates solipsism, which claims "because my inner feelings cannot be expressed, you cannot understand me." It tells us that any meaningful concept must be public and communicable. In teams, a public vocabulary must be established, opposing mystical management that relies on "only to be felt, not expressed."
Anchor fast decisions
The meaning of language comes from publicly verifiable rules; if the rules are known only to the speaker, one cannot distinguish between "following the rule" and "thinking one is following the rule," so the rules become invalid, and private language is impossible. Meaning must be external to the individual.
MINIMUM ACTION
In progress 0/1Practice this model in one real situation:
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Source support: Explicit
- en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Private_language_argumentverified
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