Close Enough: When Language Works Without Getting It Right

Language philosopher Bry Willis examines how successful communication regularly occurs even when people lack identical understandings of the words they use. Drawing upon the philosophical insights of Ferdinand de Saussure, Ludwig Wittgenstein, W. V. O. Quine, and Jacques Derrida, the author challenges the traditional assumption that language functions as a transparent vehicle for conveying fully formed, precise meanings. Instead, interactions often rely on pragmatic closure, which represents the point where remaining interpretative differences no longer impact the practical goals of an exchange. Ultimately, achieving semantic identity is shown to be unnecessary for everyday coordination, as speakers frequently manage to accomplish shared objectives despite possessing divergent mental interpretations.👉 https://philosophicsblog.substack.com/p/close-enough-when-language-works