Actions and speech actions in the philosophy of J.L. Austin

Abstract

In an essay on Austin's philosophy of action, LW. Forguson writes: Nearly all of Austin's later work, from 1955 until his death in 1960, involved an examination of the concept of action. Although, as Forguson points out, Austin never set forth, or held, anything like a general theory of action, a consideration of the 'cluster of views' presented in his writings may help us achieve a more adequate understanding of this concept. Moreover, if we are convinced, as Forguson was, of the importance of Austin's work in this field, we may derive some benefit from considering his remarks in a critical light. In doing this we can profit from the insights of later philosophers working in the same area. An examination of key passages in How to Do Things with Words, 'A Plea for Excuses' and 'Three Ways of Spilling Ink' will show that Austin shared some of the basic intuitions about actions defended by G.E.M. Anscombe in Intention and further developed by Davidson in a number of essays. Very often, however, while raising important philosophical problems and presenting them in a new light, Austin's remarks stop short of providing a definite solution.