How to Do Things with Words

Know about the book -

How to Do Things with Words is written by J. L. Austin and published by Echo Point+ORM. It's available with International Standard Book Number or ISBN identification 1648373941 (ISBN 10) and 9781648373947 (ISBN 13).

In this groundbreaking book, an acclaimed English philosopher of language discusses the performative nature of words. In this seminal series of lectures by the noted British philosopher, J.L. Austin explores the profound ways in which language is not just a vehicle for conveying information but also a tool for performing actions. He introduces the concept of the performative utterance -- later called a speech-act -- which are utterances that not only convey meaning but also have the power to bring about changes in the world. The book also delves into the complexities of language, meaning, and context, highlighting how linguistic conventions and social norms shape our understanding of words. Austin's work challenges conventional views on language, emphasizing that words have the power to do things and not just describe things.