Meaning as Experience

Criticising different meaning theories, this paper aims to challenge the presupposition that “meaning” is a constituent part of language so that communication among people requires sharing the same meaning. In this paper, I will offer a critical review of three clusters of theories, i.e. referential, structurist and use approach to meaning, to show that none succeeds in accounting for the above presupposition. Then, relying on a new interpretation of later Wittgenstein’s theory of language, I will explain why meaning is a private matter and based on personal experiences, and communication among people is, not sharing meaning, but a harmony in their lifestyles and behaviors.