An Ability to Speak A Language as Knowledge: a Revision of Dummett's Argument

Abstract

Dummett argued that practical ability is knowledge if and only if having an ability is described as knowing some propositions. He asserts that the ability to speak a language is knowledge itself, because we cannot attempt to speak a language unless we can speak the language. However, it is not clear why such an ability is knowledge itself. In this study, we reinforce his argument by defining knowledge of how to do things as knowledge based on learning experience. We cannot speak a language without learning experience. Moreover, if one gains an ability through learning experience, this means that he at least knows some propositions.