Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus · Chapter
3.314 explained
Wittgenstein asserts that an expression only has meaning within the context of a proposition and that every variable can be understood as a propositional variable, including variable names.
What happens
Wittgenstein asserts that an expression only has meaning within the context of a proposition and that every variable can be understood as a propositional variable, including variable names.
Themes in this chapter
Logical Atomism
The claim that expressions have meaning only in propositions reflects the atomistic view that meaning is context-dependent within logical structures.
Limits of Language and Thought
The focus on propositional variables highlights the boundaries of meaningful expression within language.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Wittgenstein
Author of the proposition
Key passages
“An expression has meaning only in a proposition.”
A word or symbol only gains significance when used within a complete statement.
Emphasizes the context-dependence of meaning.
“Every variable can be conceived as a propositional variable.”
Any variable can be thought of as standing in for a proposition.
Extends the concept of variables to the logical form of propositions.