Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus · Chapter
Essential and Accidental Features of Propositions explained
Wittgenstein distinguishes between essential and accidental features of propositions, where accidental features arise from the specific method of producing the propositional sign, while essential features are those that allow the propositio
What happens
Wittgenstein distinguishes between essential and accidental features of propositions, where accidental features arise from the specific method of producing the propositional sign, while essential features are those that allow the proposition to express its sense.
Themes in this chapter
Picture Theory of Language
The distinction between essential and accidental features relates to how propositions picture reality, with essential features being those that enable the picture to convey its sense.
Nonsense and Meaning
The essential features of a proposition are what allow it to express a sense, distinguishing meaningful propositions from nonsense.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Wittgenstein
Author of the distinction between essential and accidental features of propositions.
Key passages
“A proposition possesses essential and accidental features. Accidental are the features which are due to a particular way of producing the propositional sign. Essential are those which alone enable the proposition to express its sense.”
A proposition has both essential and accidental characteristics. Accidental features come from the specific method used to create the propositional sign, while essential features are those that allow the proposition to convey its meaning.
Clarifies the distinction between what is necessary for a proposition to have meaning and what is contingent on its expression.