The LRB Podcast On Wittgenstein’s ‘Tractatus’
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Jul 31, 2024 Delve into the intricacies of Wittgenstein's 'Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus' and its profound philosophical implications. Discover the challenges of translating this complex work, as three new English translations emerge. Explore the evolution of Wittgenstein's thoughts on language, meaning, and the limits of expression. Unpack the contentious claim that all philosophical problems are solved and examine the legacy of this seminal text. Get to grips with the interplay between language, reality, and the philosophical dilemmas it presents.
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Tractatus' Core Focus
- The Tractatus explores how language represents reality and what this reveals about reality's nature.
- This exploration extends to various disciplines and the limits of language itself.
Tractatus' Structure
- The Tractatus' 525 numbered propositions have a hierarchical structure indicating their interconnections.
- Understanding a proposition requires considering its place within this structure and its relation to other propositions.
The Unspoken Ethics
- Wittgenstein stated the main point of the Tractatus is ethical, though it contains little explicit discussion of ethics.
- He emphasized the importance of what's not written, suggesting the book guides readers towards inexpressible insights.