what we are aware of in an initial sense - we learn soon can be -
must be variously
described
the language - N - we develop - only has content - in terms
of a meta language the language we use to define it - let us call it N1
N1 is the meta language - and it too requires definition -
hence a meta-meta language - N2
in principle - there is no end to this
a language is defined - has meaning - only in terms of -
a meta language
so you might say - it is an infinite explosion of language -
a vortex of languages
and what is it all based on - where is the meaning?
the thing is - it is based on nothing -
but consciousness reflecting - and reflecting on its reflections -
any one of these reflections can issue forth a complete ontology
a complete statement of what is - and how it is -
even how it is known
we begin with language and reflect upon it
your choice of language - is not like - will I have another cup
of coffee or not?
you come into a ready made world -
wherever you are
i.e. - in a primitive aboriginal tribe -
or middle class Australia
you have something to work with
there was always something to work with
your decisions about what you believe
and how you think
are questions of ontology - definition - meta language
and it's not as if you are sucked into an infinite regress or digress -
we make decisions - about when and where to stop -
and what to stop with
these decisions are not fanciful - or for that matter intellectual -
they came as hard won imperatives of action - of the market place
they have dirt in them
they are made in necessity - the necessity of contingency
(and these decisions can have reasons - reasons as complex
as any metaphysical system if you want to track 'em down)
logicians - abstract and quarantine
we humans work - operate as scavengers in a tip
natural language is no one consistent - clear ontology
if you want that - you could look to mathematics
natural language is a mongrel - a hybrid
consistency is generally not the issue -
need - is more to point - and need - usually in an immediate sense
you have to go to an event - you are in a hurry - you need to
dress and you don't have time to think - you grab this article
of clothing - that article - in short throw yourself together -
of course it's not perfect and you have second thoughts as you
walk out the door - but the main thing is you are on your way
