Comprehension of the phenomenon of silense: Wittgenstein and Eastern philosophy

The problem of mutual relations between language and world has always been of interest both western and eastern philosophy. In particular, the special attention is still paid to silence which is represented as a specific category of language. It is possible to find plenty of ideas concerning understanding of the phenomenon of silence in the world wide philosophy. However, in our opinion the idea of comparing the visions of two philosophical systems belonging to different cultural traditions and ways of thinking is the most effective. The article presents a comparative analysis of the philosophy of Lud-wig Wittgenstein and eastern philosophical systems that represented by Taoism and Buddhism, in their attitude to the phenomenon of silence. The author of the article examines the problem in three main aspects: 1. understanding of philosophy as an activity and defining the role of language in it; 2. setting apart of showing as a third mode of communication from speaking and silence; 3. The designation of the specifics of understanding of silence in the context of wittgensteinian and eastern philosophical thought. This research aims to identify similarities and differences in the understanding of the category of silence in two considered philosophical systems. The necessity for such clarification of the results of the hard work of his thought is conditioned by the fact that Wittgenstein's philosophy has had and still continues to exert so strong influence not only on modern Western but also on Eastern philosophy. Silence plays an important role for both Wittgenstein's philosophy and Eastern philosophy. These two ways to practice of silence are not identical in point of fact, but they complement each other. In that way, the philosophy of Wittgenstein not only shows a clear resemblance to the thought of oriental philosophical practices, but it can also be understood as contributing to their understanding. As well as the other way around: understanding of Taoism and Buddhism can be of great help in achieving a better understanding of the philosophy of Wittgenstein.

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