For many, aliens only exist in the realm of science fiction. But regardless of whether aliens exist or not, the potential existence of extraterrestrial species throws into question our entire metaphysical framework, which has long gone unchallenged. In particular, we would need to rethink our understanding of language, which currently determines how we experience our world. But what if there were other languages out there that better captured reality? For theoretical philosopher Matti Eklund, these are the questions philosophy needs to be asking.
Suppose we find out how every human language works, down to the last detail. Do we then know how language works, full stop? Obviously not. There can be languages that are not human languages. Maybe some animals use other languages. Maybe extraterrestrials do. Maybe God does. Suppose we find out the truth about every language used, by every language-user. Even so, we don’t necessarily know how language works full stop. What about other merely possible languages could there be, not used by anyone?
SUGGESTED VIEWING The trouble with language With Hilary Lawson, Joanna Kavenna, Tim Maudlin
Join the conversation