Problems in Reconstructing Schopenhauer’s Theory of Meaning: With Reference to His Influence on Wittgenstein

The article contributes to the discussion of Schopenhauer’s possible anticipation of both the representational theory of language and the use theory of meaning and the reception of his philosophy by early and late Wittgenstein. Schopenhauer’s theory of language is presented and brought into the context of these two theories. His use of the terms “word,” “concept,” and “meaning” is analyzed and it is shown that he applies them ambivalently. The article’s main findings include a demonstration of how Schopenhauer’s ambivalent terminology enables the twofold interpretation of meaning: as representation-based and use-based.