Reading Wittgenstein's Tractatus

This Element provides a summary of the main ideas in Wittgenstein's Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus,explaining its relationship to Russell's philosophy and the ladder structure of the book. It discusses the role of ontology,the symbolic unity of language,and Wittgenstein's claim to have solved philosophical problems.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 75 pages
Publication date: 29 July 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This Element provides a concise and accessible overview of the core ideas in Wittgenstein's Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus. Drawing upon the philosophical background of Russell and rooted in the ladder structure expressed in the book's numbering system, it presents the central arguments of the Tractatus in three interconnected lines of thought.

The first line explores the significance of ontology and its relationship to the method and logical symbolism of the Tractatus. It demonstrates how the ontology represents the formal essence of language and the world, serving as a foundation for the logical structure of the book.

The second line delves into the symbolic unity of language and its role within the ladder structure. It explains how language functions as a unified system, with each step representing a different level of abstraction, and how the book's organization reflects this unity. It also addresses the question of whether the Tractatus is self-defeating and demonstrates why it is not.

The third line examines Wittgenstein's claim to have solved, in essence, all philosophical problems. It explores the underlying misunderstandings that led to the formulation of these problems and how the Tractatus addresses them. Wittgenstein argues that the essence of philosophy lies in the clarification of these misunderstandings, leading to a deeper understanding of the nature of language and the world.

Overall, this Element offers a valuable entry point into the complex and influential ideas of Wittgenstein's Tractatus, providing a clear and concise summary of its central arguments while also exploring their philosophical implications.

Weight: 132g
Dimension: 151 x 229 x 8 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108744409