To the editor:

I have recently become enraptured with the idea of semantics and meaning and have ended up wondering if we can communicate anything accurately. Recently, I purchased the book titled “Semantics, Pragmatics, Philosophy-a journey through meaning” that delves into the idea of meaning in language. I must admit that I have been left totally intellectually incapacitated with the feeling that language presents more of a barrier to truth than a gateway to understanding. When I hear modern politicians babble on about some stupid topic they want to stand for, I wonder if they have a clue of what they’re talking about.

When people speak, they always begin with a personal and unstated worldview. This weltanschauung or world view not only colors their language but also imprisons their words within a narrow frame of concentric possibilities. Then they go on by using words they don’t fully understand to build sentences on theoretical conclusions that may or may not be true. Finally, their words are heard by another person who also interprets them according to their own worldviews as they come up with their own muddled understanding of the problem at hand. We call this process communication.

I must admit that of late I have become very pessimistic regarding our ability to communicate. This language barrier affects everything including politics, religion, theology and philosophy. It’s a wonder that we can communicate anything to each other. So, is there any exit to this human dilemma? I personally believe that the only way out is through education and that includes contemplation and reading lots of nonfiction material to give oneself a better understanding of reality.

If people rely totally on their existing beliefs as they communicate to people with opposing beliefs all we end up with is dysfunction. Do I have any hope for a way out of this situation? Unfortunately, I don’t see any light at the end of the tunnel as I see dumb people totally content with their ignorance and the last thing you want to do is question their own beliefs.

Richard Greene

New Ulm