ABSTRACT
It is diffi cult to see how either the literate mind or the numerate mind would be in a position to function at all without having a grasp of certain basic distinctions that the operations of both rely on. Since so much controversy has surrounded the word concept, it may be as well to avoid it and speak here of ‘operational discriminations’ or ODs. How I propose to use this term may best be explained by means of an example borrowed from Wittgenstein. In Philosophical Investigations, Wittgenstein describes a ‘primitive’ language of just four words, used for communication between a builder and his assistant:
The language is meant to serve for communication between a builder A and an assistant B. A is building with building-stones (Bausteinen): there are blocks, pillars, slabs and beams. B has to pass the stones, and that in the order in which A needs them. For this purpose they use a language consisting of the words “block”, “pillar”, “slab” and “beam”. A calls them out;—B brings the stone he has learnt to bring at suchand-such a call.
