The Lives of the Philosophers: J. L. Austin
Summary
David Runciman and Nikhil Krishnan explore the life and legacy of J.L. Austin, contrasting his "piecemeal" ordinary language philosophy with A.J. Ayer’s logical positivism. The discussion highlights Austin’s focus on how words are used in context to dissolve philosophical puzzles, such as free will, rather than seeking grand metaphysical theories. They also examine Austin’s domineering academic persona, his influence on Isaiah Berlin, and his posthumous work challenging the concept of sense data in favor of naive realism.
Topics discussed
Introduction to J.L. Austin and the podcast
Austin's temperament compared to A.J. Ayer
Austin's role in Oxford administration and seminars
The philosophical triangle: Austin, Ayer, and Berlin
Piecemeal philosophy vs. logical positivism
Isaiah Berlin's influence and shift to history of ideas
Defining ordinary language philosophy
Dissolving philosophical problems: ontology and free will
Language use vs. meaning: Austin's innovation
The 'we' in ordinary language: demographics and bias
Philosophy as therapy for anxiety
Critiques of the piecemeal method and its limits
Austin, Wittgenstein, and family resemblances
Logical positivism and the concept of sense data
Austin's critique of sense data in 'Sense and Sensibilia'
Austin's WWII intelligence work and method
Cooperative philosophy vs. hierarchical practice
Darwinian linguistics and the utility of distinctions
Austin's legacy and influence beyond philosophy
Speech acts: Elocutionary acts and political theory
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