Words as Deeds

Philosophers of language noticed that not every sentence describes. When a person says “I promise,” she is not reporting a promise she made; saying it makes one. J. L. Austin called such sentences performatives. Naming a ship, giving a verdict and saying “I do” are other examples.

Performatives cannot be true or false in the usual way. They can only succeed or fail. A promise is hollow if the speaker does not intend to keep it, and it is void if the speaker has no standing to make it, as when a stranger says “I now pronounce you married.”

This helps in daily life. Ask of a sentence: is it describing, or doing? If it is doing, ask whether it was done properly, with the right person, the right words and real intent.

The wedding vow

At a wedding, the officiant says, “I now pronounce you spouses.” Before the words, the two are a couple. After them, they are married.

A guest watching from the back mutters the same sentence as a joke. Nothing happens. The words were the same, but the speaker had no standing, so the act failed.

Try this today Spot one sentence today that did something when said, such as “I’m sorry” or “You’re hired.”