Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus · Chapter
4.122 explained
Wittgenstein introduces the concepts of formal (internal) properties and relations of objects and atomic facts, distinguishing them from external relations.
What happens
Wittgenstein introduces the concepts of formal (internal) properties and relations of objects and atomic facts, distinguishing them from external relations. He argues that internal properties and relations cannot be asserted by propositions but show themselves in the propositions that present facts.
Themes in this chapter
Logical Atomism
The discussion of formal properties and relations of objects and atomic facts reflects the logical atomist view that the world consists of simple objects and facts.
Limits of Language and Thought
Wittgenstein emphasizes that internal properties and relations cannot be asserted in propositions but only show themselves, highlighting the limits of what can be said.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Wittgenstein
Author of the Tractatus, introducing and clarifying the distinction between internal and external relations.
Key passages
“We can speak in a certain sense of formal properties of objects and atomic facts, or of properties of the structure of facts, and in the same sense of formal relations and relations of structures.”
We can discuss the formal properties of objects and atomic facts, as well as the formal relations between structures, in a specific sense.
Introduces the notion of formal (internal) properties and relations.
“The holding of such internal properties and relations cannot, however, be asserted by propositions, but it shows itself in the propositions, which present the facts and treat of the objects in question.”
Internal properties and relations cannot be stated in propositions; instead, they manifest themselves in the propositions that depict the facts and concern the objects.
Clarifies the inexpressibility of internal features, a key theme in the Tractatus.