The relation between language and thought in Sapir - Whorf Hypothesis

In consequence of developments in geometry, physics, and mechanics in the 19th century, the Cartesian epistemology has lost its power and a relativistic approach became evident instead. According to Sapir – Whorf hypothesis which can be evaluated a language interpretation of that relativistic approach constituting postmodern period in the 20th century, the language represents the universe to us from its own viewpoint. Therefore, reality perceptions of societies based on a specific mass mind cannot be explained unless the representation of world submitted by language is investigated. In this hypothesis that needs to investigate as part of linguistic relativity current, the opinion that truth is single and universal becomes a controversial subject. The examination of influence of the language on our thinking habits has been intensifying the opinion that epistemology can be treated as the philosophy of language. The aim of this thesis by following an analytical method is to place Sapir – Whorf hypothesis as its background, references, and results in philosophy of language litteratur and to explain the basic opinions and assertions of hypothesis on the subjects of language, thought, reality, science and art.