J.L. Austin was a British philosopher known for his work in the field of ordinary language philosophy. He believed that the way we use language in everyday situations can reveal important insights about meaning and communication. Austin introduced the concept of speech acts, which are actions performed through speaking, such as making promises or giving orders. Austin's ideas challenged traditional views of language, emphasizing that words do more than just convey information; they can also perform actions. His influential lectures and writings laid the groundwork for later philosophers, including John Searle and Gilbert Ryle, who expanded on his theories and explored their implications in various fields.