ABSTRACT
In this chapter we want to examine certain inherent characteristics of our language which can become obstacles to clear thinking and rational argument in education. We have already observed from our study into the nature of philosophy in Chapter I how philosophers place great importance on language. Enquiry into words and meanings is an important philosophical activity because there is an important logical connection between language and thinking. Language can in fact be viewed as a tool for thinking because words label concepts and thinking presupposes the possession of concepts; we think with concepts. Our thoughts, then, will be as clear or as clouded as the words and sentences which are used to express these thoughts. If communication is to improve and clarity in thought and argument to prevail, it is important for us to be aware of certain features of language and on guard against certain pitfalls that prevent this from happening. Vagueness and ambiguity are two characteristics of language that can become pitfalls or traps and contribute to unclear thinking and generally to a breakdown in communication.
