THE PROBLEM OF LANGUAGE IN CONVEYING SUBJECTIVE EXPERIENCE. PHILOSOPHICAL DIMENSION

Abstract

This article explores the complexity of conveying subjective experience through language. An essential aspect of this topic is the definition of subjectivity which reflects the uniqueness of each individual’s inner world. Subjectivity denotes that every person’s experience is individual, shaped by personal memories, emotions, and worldview. Often, this experience is difficult to communicate to others through linguistic means, as language has its limitations and conventions. It relies on commonly accepted categories that do not always capture the depth of personal feelings and complex emotional states. Moreover, the meaning of words can vary depending on context, culture, and individual interpretation, further complicating the accurate transmission of subjective experience. The article then examines how subjective experience in language was addressed in ancient philosophy. Philosophers of this period, including Protagoras, Plato, and Aristotle, studied the nature of language, its ability to express truth, and the challenges of conveying individual experience. Protagoras, as a sophist, emphasized the relativity of truth and the subjectivity of human perception, arguing that each person has their own truth, complicating objective communication. Plato, on the other hand, sought universal principles of language that could transcend subjective perception, particularly through the concept of ideas and dialectical methods of knowledge. Aristotle, in turn, aimed to formalize language by developing logical categories that would facilitate objective expression of thought. The issue of subjective experience in language became particularly relevant in the context of the sophists’ activities, as they used linguistic tools for persuasion and manipulation rather than the pursuit of truth. This sparked lively discussions among philosophers and laid the foundation for further reflections on the limits and possibilities of language in transmitting human experience. The final part of the article examines contemporary philosophical approaches to studying subjective experience in language. Modern philosophers such as Noam Chomsky and Donald Davidson highlight the limitations of language as a means of communication, emphasizing its conventional nature and its ability to convey subjective experience only approximately. The article offers an in-depth analysis of the issue of language in transmitting subjective experience, combining historical and contemporary perspectives on the problem.