Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus · Chapter
4.1211 explained
Wittgenstein argues that logical relations such as reference, contradiction, and entailment are shown by the structure of propositions themselves, not asserted by additional propositions.
What happens
Wittgenstein argues that logical relations such as reference, contradiction, and entailment are shown by the structure of propositions themselves, not asserted by additional propositions.
Themes in this chapter
Logical Atomism
The proposition 'fa' shows that object a occurs, illustrating the atomic structure of facts.
Nonsense and Meaning
Logical relations like contradiction and entailment are shown, not said, highlighting the limits of meaningful language.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Wittgenstein
Author of the Tractatus; presents the doctrine that logical features are shown by propositional structure.
Key passages
“Thus a proposition “ f a ” shows that in its sense the object a occurs”
A proposition like 'fa' displays that the object a is part of its meaning.
Wittgenstein emphasizes that reference is shown by the proposition's structure.
“If two propositions contradict one another, this is shown by their structure; similarly if one follows from another, etc.”
Logical relationships such as contradiction and logical consequence are made manifest by the form of the propositions themselves.
Logical relations are not additional facts but are exhibited in the syntax.