On Monday, July 15, 2024, the Final Jeopardy round featured an intriguing question in the category “Newer Words.” The clue presented was: “Philosophers use it for language that accompanies an action, like ‘I dub thee knight’; it also means done for show or signal.”
This clue required contestants to delve into their understanding of language and its practical applications, both in philosophical contexts and everyday usage.
What is Performative?
The term “performative” is crucial in the realm of philosophy, particularly in the study of language and speech acts. A performative utterance is a statement that does not only convey information but actually performs an action. For example, when someone says, “I dub thee knight,” they are not merely stating something; they are using language to enact a knighthood. This concept was largely developed by philosopher J.L. Austin in the mid-20th century, who distinguished performative utterances from constative utterances, which are statements that describe a situation and can be evaluated based on their truthfulness.
Beyond its philosophical roots, “performative” has also permeated everyday language to describe actions that are done for show or to send a signal, rather than to accomplish anything substantive. In this sense, something performative has a superficial quality, focusing on the effect of the action rather than its sincerity or depth. This usage is particularly prevalent in discussions about social behavior, where actions might be labeled performative if they seem to be done merely to impress others or to comply with expected norms without genuine commitment.
The dual usage of “performative” highlights the fluidity and dynamic nature of language. In philosophical terms, it underscores the power of speech as an action-oriented force that transcends mere communication. In everyday discourse, it provides a critical lens through which to view social interactions, particularly in an age where appearances and signals often dominate genuine expressions of intent.