Men of Ideas — Season 1, Episode 10: The Philosophy of Language

Episode synopsis

World-renowned author and professor Bryan Magee and Berkeley philosopher of language John Searle discuss the question: "How does language relate to thought and to reality?" Searle explores the use of language to clarify experience as fundamental to the acquisition of knowledge. He then describes the various uses of language in the philosophies of Plato, Descartes, Frege, Mills, and others.

About Men of Ideas

A captivating voyage into the world of intellectual exploration, where host Bryan Magee engages in illuminating dialogues with some of the most distinguished thinkers of the last century. Join Magee in riveting conversations with eminent guests like Herbert Marcuse, A. J. Ayer, John Searle, Noam Chomsky, Iris Murdoch, and W.V. Quine, as they unravel the complexities of philosophy, language, politics, and culture. From the radical reevaluation of Marxism by Herbert Marcuse to the profound insights on language by John Searle and Noam Chomsky, this series presents a tapestry of thought that has shaped our understanding of existence. With each episode, "Men of Ideas" offers a unique window into the minds of these leading philosophers, making it an intellectually invigorating experience for both avid scholars and curious minds alike.

More episodes from Season 1

• E1An Introduction to Philosophy
• E2Marxist Philosophy
• E3Marcuse and the Frankfurt School
• E4Martin Heidegger and Modern Existentialism
• E5The Two Philosophies of Wittgenstein
• E6Logical Positivism and its Legacy
• E7The Spell of Linguistic Philosophy
• E8Moral Philosophy
• E9The Ideas of Quine
• E11The Ideas of Chomsky
• E12The Philosophy of Science
• E13Philosophy and Politics