Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus · Chapter
5.555 explained
Wittgenstein argues that the concept of an elementary proposition exists independently of its specific logical form.
What happens
Wittgenstein argues that the concept of an elementary proposition exists independently of its specific logical form. He emphasizes that when symbols are constructed according to a system, the system itself is logically significant, not the individual symbols. He questions how one could deal with inventable forms in logic, asserting that logic must concern what makes such invention possible.
Themes in this chapter
Logical Atomism
The discussion of elementary propositions and their logical form reflects the atomistic view that complex propositions are built from simple, independent units.
Limits of Language and Thought
The focus on what can be invented versus what underlies invention touches on the limits of logical form and the boundaries of meaningful thought.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Wittgenstein
Author of the Tractatus, presenting the argument about elementary propositions and logical form.
Key passages
“It is clear that we have a concept of the elementary proposition apart from its special logical form.”
We understand what an elementary proposition is independently of its particular logical structure.
Wittgenstein asserts that the notion of an elementary proposition is not tied to any specific form.
“Where, however, we can build symbols according to a system, there this system is the logically important thing and not the single symbols.”
When symbols are constructed systematically, the system itself carries logical significance, not the individual symbols.
Emphasizes the priority of the logical system over its constituent symbols.
“And how would it be possible that I should have to deal with forms in logic which I can invent: but I must have to deal with that which makes it possible for me to invent them.”
How could logic involve forms that I can invent? Rather, logic must concern what enables such invention.
Wittgenstein questions the idea of inventing logical forms, pointing to a deeper underlying condition.