Abstract
The twofold purpose of this paper is to clarify the concept of human beings and to contrast the difference between aim and objective, or goal and end from the viewpoint of English Language Teaching. The analysis is conducted through the frameworks of social philosophies, particularly those by Arendt, Habermas, Luhmann, Negri and Hardt. The paper argues that the aim/goal of English Language Teaching in this global society is to develop plurilingual abilities to continue communication, appreciating and utilizing differences that communication assumes and produces. The paper also pointed out that the descriptions in Japanese ELT discourse are individualistic and technocratic and neglect the social and political dimensions of language teaching.
