Language Game Theory was the seminal work of Ludwig Wittgenstein that stated that language only remains to be meaningful when understood through a specific 'form of life'. The way in which the language is spoken in certain groups is key to the belief held in the meaning of languages. However the effectiveness of this theory in solving the problem of religious language has been doubted due to its circular nature and its removal of fact. The strengths, nevertheless, rely in its strict maintenance of belief.
Strengths:Language games strengths derive from its ability to give all statements of religious believers. Easily transferrable into modern societyAccommodates constructive dialogue between religious groups
Weaknesses:Criticised by religious believers as it classes all religious language as non-cognitive, an expression of emotion not an expression of fact. A circular argument, the concept of language games in its own right is a language game. It is justified through itself.
In conclusion the strengths of Language Game Theory fail to outweigh the weaknesses. The ability to fit into an increasingly diverse modern society and the classification of religious language as meaningful appeals to religious believers. However the massive logical flaws contained within Game theory and it’s inability to respond to reality discount these strengths. A theory that does not count statements as corresponding to an objective reality cannot relate to religious systems as many of the most prominent statements on which religion is based are objective. Furthermore the logical flaws of game theory make it inapplicable over any other ‘form of life’ and as a result cannot be applied to modern society. Overall the strengths of game theory do not outweigh the weaknesses, and language game theory fails to fulfil it’s aims or to be applicable to religious or modern society
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