Abstract

This paper investigates Wittgenstein’s account of the relation between elementary and molecular propositions (and thus, also, the propositions of logic) in the Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus . I start by sketching a natural reading of that relation - which I call the “bipartite reading” - holding that the Tractatus gives an account of elementary propositions, based on the so-called picture theory, and a different account of molecular ones, based on the principle of truth-functionality. I then show that such a reading cannot be attributed to Wittgenstein, because he holds the view that an explanation of logical complexity is already given by a correct account of the (pictorial) nature of elementary propositions; this is implied in his claim that “an elementary proposition contains all logical constants/operations in itself”. After clarifying Wittgenstein’s notion of an operation from the Notes on Logic to the Tractatus , I finally explain why Wittgenstein claims that an elementary proposition contains all logical operations in itself, and hence why he can be said to provide a unified (and thus not bipartite) account of language and logic.

Highlights

  • This paper investigates Wittgenstein’s account of the relation between elementary and molecular propositions in the Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus

  • If we take the claim that an elementary proposition contains all logical operations literally, this would be in striking contrast to what Wittgenstein says at 5.233: “Operations cannot make their appearance before the point at which one proposition is generated out of another in a logically meaningful way; i.e., the point at which the logical construction of propositions begins.” In the Tractatus, likewise, Wittgenstein says that “[t]he possibility of negation is already written into affirmation” (TLP 5.44, my emphasis)

  • There is no intrinsic connection between elementary propositions and the truth-functions obtained by the application of truth-operations on them, because to be an elementary proposition and to be a truthfunction are quite different things

Read more

Summary

Introduction

This paper investigates Wittgenstein’s account of the relation between elementary and molecular propositions (and the propositions of logic) in the Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus. In the Notebooks entry on 5.11.14, quoted towards the end of section 1, Wittgenstein explicitly discusses the relation between an elementary proposition and its truth-functions by saying that the possibility of the latter is given as soon as the former is given.17 Elementary propositions’ T-F articulation (given by their being pictures of reality) makes them suitable for being logically

Results
Conclusion

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.