# 5.553 explained — Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus

> Chapter companion for Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus by Ludwig Wittgenstein.

## What happens

Wittgenstein criticizes Russell's claim that there are simple relations between different numbers of individuals, questioning how such a number could be determined and denying that any number is preeminent.

## Themes in this chapter

### Critique of Traditional Philosophy

Wittgenstein challenges Russell's assumption of a preeminent number of individuals, questioning the basis of such metaphysical claims.

### Logical Atomism

The discussion of simple relations between individuals touches on the logical atomist project of analyzing reality into ultimate simples.

## Character check-ins

### Bertrand Russell

Russell is mentioned as having asserted that there are simple relations between different numbers of individuals, a view Wittgenstein challenges.

### Mr. Wittgenstein

Wittgenstein presents his critique of Russell's position on the number of individuals and relations.

## Key lines

> Russell said that there were simple relations between different numbers of things (individuals). But between what numbers? And how should this be decided⁠—by experience? (There is no preeminent number.)

Russell claimed that there are basic relations connecting different quantities of individuals. But which specific numbers are involved? And could this be determined empirically? No number holds a privileged status.

_Wittgenstein dismisses the idea that there is a fundamental number of individuals, rejecting both Russell's assertion and the method of deciding it._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/tractatus_logico_philosophicus_se/chapters/5-553
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- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/tractatus_logico_philosophicus_se/chapters