The Analytical Language of John Wilkins: Classification Systems and the Limits of Universal Language
Overview
This paper analyzes Jorge Luis Borges' critique of John Wilkins' analytical language system and its classification scheme as presented in the fortieth table. The paper examines Borges' argument that language-based classification systems are inherently arbitrary and subjective, using comparisons to the Celestial Emporium of Benevolent Knowledge to demonstrate how categorical schemes fail to comprehend the universe objectively.
What this essay covers
- Introduction to Wilkins' procedure and the fortieth table classification scheme
- Borges' analysis of conflicting and shallow classifications in stone and metal categories
- Comparison with the Chinese Encyclopedia's subjective ordering system and critique of universal language
- Conclusion on the arbitrary nature of linguistic classification and the impossibility of language as a tool for understanding the universe
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Analytical Language of John Wilkins.
Upon exploring the Wilkins procedure, the proceeding challenge is that of interpreting the fortieth table; a grouping scheme where the language was rooted. Borges elaborates that he is faced with complexities, dismissal, and shortages. These are mostly arising from the classification showcased, for instance, in dealing with stones within the eighth category. The groupings here included; ordinary (Hint, gravel, slate), intermediate (marble, amber, coral). Moreover, the ninth category is agitating as the former. It portrayed metals to be; imperfect (vermilion, quicksilver), artificial (bronze, brass), recremental (filings, rust) (Borges 101). These classifications are presented to be conflicting and shallow. Borges compared this system of categorization to Dr Franz Kuhn's contributory writing in a Chinese Encyclopedia referred to as Celestial Emporium of Benevolent Knowledge where categorization was grounded on abilities, ownership and picturesque of animals. The groupings of the world are random and subjective.
Borges is presenting language as an avenue through which we cannot comprehend the Universe since we are not well conversant with what Universe entails. Additionally, Borges appreciates the motivation behind a language that encompasses everybody worldwide. He also considers Wilkins' tales to Salmon, zana to harbor much relevance contrary to the correlating to words in the ordinary languages, which doesn't hold any valuable meaning. (Borges 102) He concludes that hypothetically, it is possible to reflect on a language; each thing is assigned a name that bears information concerning its past, future, and fate.