On the Very Idea of a Conceptual Scheme by Donald Davidson - Essay Example

Conceptual Scheme Donald Davidson is recognized as one of the famous and influential philosophers from the United s that lived and influenced most in the 20th century. David had many of his thoughts derived from experiences and traditional notions and he tried spreading his ideas to even more complex standards. One of the most recognized and acclaimed works of art was his writing, On the Very Idea of a Conceptual Scheme. In it, he assists in explaining the major notion concerning conceptual schemes and identifying relativism as a functional theme. His major criticism however is concerning the many philosophers that go with the fact that there exists only one conceptual scheme. Donald starts his argument by stating that the human race cannot only have one form of a conceptual scheme and that there are many people involved and different themes for the understanding of the notion. Donald states that religion still exists even in the monotheist people and thus showing an extended description of the conceptual scheme. He goes ahead to state that one idea can be very important in that it can assist in the development of greater ideas that would eventually lead to the rise of new concepts in the field of philosophy (Ludwig 18). David goes ahead to offer the example of the relativity theory as a product of this. In describing the theory, there is the explanation that the theory is an improved version of two different theories made by an early philosopher. The theory is a product of the theory of general relativity and special relativity. This brings about the contemporary version of the theory and thus diversifying the philosophical field of view. Further explanation of the concept of conceptual relativity leads to David explaining that there is always an underlying notion of confusion. This from the fact that a theme or a philosophical subject to receive acclamation as a part of a conceptual scheme, from conjoined ideas, there must exist some sort of connection prior to the combination that would show a later source of fusion in explanation. This factor has led to many rules being shunned with the statement that they do not bear the required factors for them to be schemes. David offers an analysis and example in explaining this. This is where he states that the schemes may have diverging viewpoints and thus leading to a difference in language. However, when people with different languages share similar sentiments among other factors that may show their link, they are then termed as having a conceptual scheme. However, he argues that language diversity may offer some sort of misunderstanding in terms of the fact it can bring about vague reality. Vague reality is the form of illusion that makes the brain misunderstand or incorporate ideas in a manner that it should not. This is due to increased views from a particular language specifically brought about by different backgrounds. This in its sole entity hinders the concept of reality (Davidson 8). The ability to translate a particular language is one major factor that comes into focus when identifying whether conceptual schemes can gain diversity or it is a monotonous concept. The questioning of whether a person with completely different languages that cannot be translated between them lying in a similar manner or to a common language is a major one. The explanation offered for this is diverse among different philosophers but the conclusion made by David that it all falls down to two major notions. The first notion in relation to this theme and problem is understanding whether the lack of translation is complete. In terms of an incomplete translation, the understanding is that only a few words in a given sentence cannot be understood while the rest of them are clearly grasped by a member of a different language group. This, David states, gains recognition as a diversified factor in terms of conceptual schemes. However, the second notion implies that if a certain language is completely misunderstood and that the member of the opposing community does not grasp even a single word, then that fails the test of conceptual diversity. He however concludes his argument concerning translation by stating that whether there is a language link in between groups or not, there can never lack diversity in conceptual schemes (Ludwig 113). This he states is from the fact that different communities living in a particular locality share some names that they refer to various features in their area. This in itself is a form of diversity in culture and language between two different communities but gain a common ground in terms of conceptual schemes for having similar words. David goes further to explain a notion that may assist in identifying and the resolution of various language problems that people have in relation to increasing the theme of conceptual schemes. He states that if only people had the general access to the various different classes taught like French and Spanish, they would widen the gap of conceptual schemes as explained in the various books that he wrote. Access to different classes would certainly mean that people, even from different backgrounds, could have the ability to understand each other from a basic point of view and thus showing an increase in conceptual schemes. He also goes ahead to state that if people only tried hard enough to understand each others’ language, there would be a fostering of communal development and at the same time language diversity (Davidson 12). David explains that for the understanding of this very important notion of conceptual schemes, it is important to put in mind the diversity required for the theme to gain broad acclamation. As stated earlier, religion is one of the broad diverse themes to incorporate. This is just another example that comes in line to show the theme of culture. The reason as to why religion is brought in is the fact that many people and philosophers do not engage in the language theme and hence tend to ignore its principles. The principles held by religion are universal is another argument that many philosophers state and then support it by stating that only one God is worshipped by all churches. However, David comes in to offer the argument that despite the fact that it is only one God worshipped by the churches, an important note to take is that the churches are many. Many churches have diversified praising styles and praying styles. They also have different preaching manners. This offers a wide field that shows the diversity of conceptual schemes. However, he concludes that the diversity is held together by the fact that there is one God. This is a clear identification and summary of the viewpoint held by Davidson concerning conceptual schemes as a whole. Work Cited Davidson, Danold. On the Very Idea of a Conceptual Scheme. 1974. Retrieved on 30th April 2012 from files.meetup.com/328570/davidson_on-the-very-idea.pdf Ludwig, Kirk. Davidson Donald. New York: Cengage Learning. 2009. Print. Read More