Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus · Chapter
5.4732 explained
This aphorism asserts that a sign inherently possesses its correct sense; it is impossible to assign a wrong sense to a sign, as the sense is determined by the logical syntax and the sign's own nature.
What happens
This aphorism asserts that a sign inherently possesses its correct sense; it is impossible to assign a wrong sense to a sign, as the sense is determined by the logical syntax and the sign's own nature.
Themes in this chapter
Limits of Language and Thought
The aphorism touches on the inherent constraints of signs, implying that language has fixed logical boundaries that prevent misassignment of sense.
Nonsense and Meaning
By stating that a sign cannot be given the wrong sense, Wittgenstein underscores that sense is intrinsic, and any attempt to force a different meaning results in nonsense.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Wittgenstein
Author of the aphorism, presenting a logical point about signs and sense.
Key passages
“We cannot give a sign the wrong sense.”
It is impossible to assign an incorrect meaning to a symbol.
This paraphrase clarifies that the sense of a sign is fixed by logical rules, not by arbitrary assignment.