Ordinary Language Use and Social Theory

Abstract

This thesis deals with the theoretical attitude towards language which informs the central problems, methodological strategies and conceptual procedures in social theory. In the course of the detailed investigation of cases of social theoretical reasoning and debate, the main forms of this attitude are explored, documented and exposed as leading to incoherence. This is achieved with the help of the informal methods and ideas of Ordinary Language Philosophy (OLP), namely of Ludwig Wittgenstein, Gilbert Ryle, J.L. Austin and their followers. Since these thinkers are either misunderstood or completely ignored by social theorists, the thesis also constitutes an attempt to clarify OLP and to establish its pressing relevance.In chapters two, three and four OLP is introduced in a careful manner, explicated in relation to sociological forms of inquiry, and defended against standard misunderstandings. It is then applied to the problem of explanation in social science which is addressed at its origins, viz. in Carl Hempel's work in the philosophy of science. Hempel's misconception of logic as something transcendental is countered with the realisation that logic is embedded in human practices. This pivotal move enables the clarification of the senses in which OLP investigates the logical features of our activities and concepts. The vulnerability of OLP itself to the theoretical attitude is stressed, and the attitude it should adopt towards its frequently used terms is distinguished from the former.The stage is set for the next three chapters which are applications of OLP to the perennial social theoretical problems of 'individuals and society' and 'structure and agency'. Since the contemporary guise of these problems involves the project of social ontology, the latter is extensively scrutinised. It is shown to arise from a misunderstanding of how language works and make use of incoherent conceptual procedures. Examined materials are taken from within critical realism, originating in the work of Roy Bhaskar, especially from Dave Elder-Vass' latest version of critical realism, and from literature which attacks critical realism, most prominently Rom Harré's work. The focus throughout these investigations of theoretical reasoning and debate, however, remains on generic methodological strategies and conceptual procedures which transcend any specific theoretical paradigm, such as the use of distortive models, the conflation of empirical and conceptual issues, and the questionable use of examples. At the end of this thesis we are in a position better to understand the nature of social theoretical puzzlement and the dangers associated with the unexamined adoption of the theoretical attitude towards language. We are also equipped with the means of countering the confusion the latter generates. The suggestion is that the burden of proof regarding what is needed in social theory and how the latter should proceed must shift.

Date of Award	1 Aug 2013
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	The University of Manchester
Supervisor	Peter Mcmylor (Supervisor) & William Sharrock (Supervisor)