J. L. Austin
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J. L. Austin | |
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| Born | 26 March 1911 |
| Died | 8 February 1960 |
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | Philosopher |
| Known for | Ordinary language philosophy; speech act theory |
| Notable work | How to Do Things with Words; Sense and Sensibilia |
J. L. Austin was a philosopher whose work addressed language, meaning, and the use of words in ordinary contexts. He is associated with ordinary language philosophy and with the analysis of how utterances function in practical situations.
His work emphasized detailed examination of everyday linguistic practices rather than formal logical systems.
Early life and education
Austin was born in Lancaster, England, and educated at Shrewsbury School before attending the University of Oxford. He studied classics and philosophy and later held academic posts at Oxford.
His early career combined teaching with research into language and meaning.
Ordinary language philosophy
Austin argued that many philosophical problems arise from oversimplified or distorted uses of language. He examined how words are used in everyday situations and how meaning depends on context.
This approach contrasted with attempts to idealize language for logical analysis.
Speech act theory
Austin developed an account of utterances as actions rather than mere descriptions. He distinguished between different types of speech acts, including locutionary, illocutionary, and perlocutionary acts.
These distinctions were presented in lectures later published as How to Do Things with Words.
Critique of sense-data theories
In Sense and Sensibilia, Austin criticized sense-data theories of perception. He analyzed how perceptual language is actually used and questioned assumptions about the objects of perception.
His critique focused on ordinary usage rather than theoretical reconstruction.
Relationship to institutions
Austin spent most of his academic career at Oxford, where he taught and influenced discussion through seminars and lectures. He did not publish extensively during his lifetime.
Much of his work was edited and published posthumously.
Limits and uncertainty
Austin’s lectures were not prepared as finished publications, and editorial decisions shaped their final form. Some aspects of his views remain underdetermined by the surviving material.
Interpretations differ regarding the scope of his methodological claims.
Status
J. L. Austin is regarded as a central figure in ordinary language philosophy. His work continues to be referenced in philosophy of language and related fields.