Why Does Language Matter to Philosophy?

As with all of Hacking's books, it is well written and researched. However, it is not nearly as simple to understand as some of his other writings. I have taken courses one course each in logic, philosophy of psychiatry, and linguistics, and have done a good deal of reading on my own. That did NOT suffice. There is much discussion of early modern philosophy. I would not recommend this book unless you have some background in Hobbes, Locke, Descartes, etc., as well as some knowledge of twentieth century contemporary analytic philosophy. This book is just barely out of the reach of someone who is interested and an avid reader. Something along the lines of a minor in philosophy is needed.