Netflix & Chill: Crash Course Philosophy

The video explores the difference between literal and figurative language, highlighting how people often use figures of speech. It introduces Paul Grice's theory of conversational implicature, explaining how we understand implied meanings through context. Grice's maxims of communication—quantity, quality, relation, and manner—are discussed, along with how flouting these maxims can convey additional meaning. The concept of performative utterances, as introduced by J.L. Austin, is also covered, showing how words can change reality.

What is the main issue with the way people often use the word 'literally'?

• It is used to confuse the listener.

• It is used to make a sentence grammatically correct.

• It is used to describe something that is actually happening.

• It is used to emphasize something that is not true.

According to Paul Grice, what is the difference between what is said and what is implied?

• What is said is always true, while what is implied is false.

• What is said is the literal content, while what is implied includes context.

• What is said is more important than what is implied.

• What is implied is always more detailed than what is said.

Which of the following is NOT one of Grice's maxims of communication?

• Quantity

• Quality

• Relevance

• Clarity

What does the maxim of quantity suggest about providing information?

• Provide the right amount of information, not too much or too little.

• Provide only the information you think is important.

• Provide information only when asked.

• Provide as much information as possible.

How can deliberately violating a maxim be useful in communication?

• It indicates that the speaker is lying.

• It shows that the speaker is not serious.

• It can make a communicative point more effectively.

• It helps to confuse the listener.

What is a performative utterance according to JL Austin?

• A statement that is always true.

• A statement that conveys information.

• A statement that is always false.

• A statement that changes a fact about the world.

Under what conditions can a performative utterance be considered successful?

• When it is spoken loudly.

• When it is understood by everyone.

• When certain conditions are met, such as legal recognition.

• When it is repeated multiple times.