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Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus · Chapter

5.155 explained

Wittgenstein defines the unit of the probability proposition as the assignment of a degree of probability to a definite event based on circumstances that are not further known.

What happens

Wittgenstein defines the unit of the probability proposition as the assignment of a degree of probability to a definite event based on circumstances that are not further known.

Characters to notice

Key passages

  • The unit of the probability proposition is: The circumstances⁠—with which I am not further acquainted⁠—give to the occurrence of a definite event such and such a degree of probability.

    The basic form of a probability statement is that unknown circumstances assign a specific likelihood to a particular event.

    Clarifies the minimal structure of probability claims