Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus · Chapter
6.52 explained
Wittgenstein argues that even complete scientific knowledge leaves the problems of life untouched, and that the true answer to these problems is the dissolution of the questions themselves.
What happens
Wittgenstein argues that even complete scientific knowledge leaves the problems of life untouched, and that the true answer to these problems is the dissolution of the questions themselves.
Themes in this chapter
Ethics and the Mystical
Directly addresses the sense of life as lying beyond scientific explanation.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Wittgenstein
The author presenting the argument that scientific answers do not address the problems of life.
Key passages
“We feel that even if all possible scientific questions be answered, the problems of life have still not been touched at all.”
Even complete scientific knowledge fails to address the deeper, existential issues of life.
Highlights the limitation of science in dealing with meaning and value.
“Of course there is then no question left, and just this is the answer.”
The resolution of life's problems is that they cease to be questions at all.
Suggests that the answer lies in the dissolution of the problem, not in a propositional solution.