“I think, therefore I am,” the iconic phrase by philosopher René Descartes, shows us that thinking is inherent to the human condition. Since the beginning of philosophical thought, a question debated among philosophers is whether it is possible to have a thought without a structured form of communication.
The answer to this question is not at all simple. Many scholars in the field believe that having a systemic means of communicating feelings and ideas is necessary for the development of thought.
However, it is important to remember that young children do not have a complete language and yet they still think and make decisions.
Furthermore, there are deaf people who have not yet come into contact with methods of expression (gestural or spoken), but who also think before even developing a way of communicating.
Is it possible to think without using language?
Apparently, these circumstances are linked to the use of visual thinking, which is based on images rather than concepts and words. It can be an alternative approach to performing tasks.
Another valid argument in this debate is that not having knowledge of a structured way of communicating can be limiting. This is how we create abstractions. Without this, our thoughts would be limited to sensory experiences and perceptions.
In this sense, it is important to emphasize that the relationship between thought and language does not have a single direction, as both influence each other. This cognitive process enables the creation of words and expressions, evolving our ways of expressing ourselves.
In short, there is no simple answer to the question of whether it is possible to have thoughts without any kind of language. Despite the evidence that supports this possibility, a systemic structure of organization and categorization of the world is essential for us to be able to communicate efficiently.
Given the above, we believe that the most appropriate answer is that languages, in general, are a powerful tool that allows us to shape and express our feelings and our vision of the world.
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