# 6.36 explained — Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus

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

## What happens

Wittgenstein argues that the law of causality, if expressed as a proposition, would merely state that there are natural laws. However, this cannot be said as a meaningful proposition; it shows itself in the operation of natural laws.

## Themes in this chapter

### Nonsense and Meaning

The proposition about the law of causality cannot be said meaningfully; it shows itself.

### Limits of Language and Thought

The ineffability of the law of causality illustrates the limits of what can be said.

## Character check-ins

### Mr. Wittgenstein

Author of the proposition and the argument about the law of causality showing itself.

## Key lines

> If there were a law of causality, it might run: “There are natural laws.” But that can clearly not be said: it shows itself.

If causality were formulated as a law, it would simply assert the existence of natural laws. Yet this assertion cannot be expressed in language; it is made manifest through the laws themselves.

_Wittgenstein distinguishes between what can be said and what shows itself._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/tractatus_logico_philosophicus_se/chapters/6-36
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/tractatus_logico_philosophicus_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/tractatus_logico_philosophicus_se/chapters