The hosts explore Wittgenstein's Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus and its intersection with psychoanalysis and dialectics. They discuss Wittgenstein's emphasis on what is not said and the limits of language. They also explore the idea of creating a sitcom based on Wittgenstein's life, discuss the implications of the film Joker on the audience, and delve into desire, subjectivity, and belonging in relation to the Tractatus. They also discuss perception of images, different perspectives, and touch on ethics, aesthetics, and a movie called 'Naked Spur'.
Wittgenstein's Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus aims to navigate the limitations of language and logic to understand the world.
Wittgenstein's project lacks a framework to accommodate disturbances and surprises in our visual field and subjective experiences.
Contradictions are nonsensical statements according to Wittgenstein, undermining the acceptance of contradiction in his investigation.
Deep dives
The Tractatus Logico Philosophicus as a departure from continental philosophy and psychoanalytic theory
The podcast episode delves into the significance of Ludwig Wittgenstein's work, the Tractatus Logico Philosophicus. Unlike previous episodes that focused on continental philosophy and psychoanalytic theory, this episode explores a departure from those frameworks. Wittgenstein's book, the only one he published in his lifetime, offers a concise and dense exploration of modernism and modern philosophy. The episode highlights the key theme of Wittgenstein's work, which is to articulate a philosophy of understanding the world. The goal of the text is to navigate the limitations of language and logic, analyzing what can and cannot be said, and emphasizing the importance of what is not said.
Wittgenstein's perspective on reality and the limits of language
Wittgenstein challenges the metaphysical subject and analyzes the concept of reality. He argues that language and logic serve as mirrors, allowing us to understand and describe the world. In doing so, he rejects the involvement of metaphysics, philosophical speculation, and ethics, contending that they fall under the category of nonsense. Wittgenstein aims to show the limits of our language and thinking, asserting that what cannot be spoken about cannot be understood or grasped. Notably, he acknowledges the presence of mysticism and emphasizes the importance of showing rather than saying to comprehend the boundaries of our world.
The problem of the meta language and the incomplete picture of reality
Wittgenstein tackles the problem of the meta language and its role in grasping reality. He highlights the inability of a meta language to exist, as attempting to step outside language leads to contradiction. However, this perspective presents a limitation in his framework, as it does not account for the disturbances or surprise elements within our visual field and experience. These disruptions challenge the notion that everything works out logically and perfectly. Wittgenstein's project faces a difficulty in accommodating desire and the subjective experience that goes beyond the logical framework.
The eye in the visual field: Wittgenstein's refusal to acknowledge the gaze and desire
Wittgenstein's views on the visual field and the eye spark a divergence from Lacanian ideas such as the gaze. While Wittgenstein claims that the eye cannot be seen within the visual field, the notion of the gaze asserts the opposite. The gaze points to the disturbance in the visual field, acknowledging the subject's desire and presence within the picture. Wittgenstein's theory fails to account for this disturbance and the role of desire in shaping our understanding of reality.
Wittgenstein's rejection of Hegelianism
Wittgenstein emphasizes his disagreement with Hegel, asserting that he is interested in showing the differences between things that appear the same, rather than finding unity in seemingly different things. He highlights the importance of logical atomism and external relations, maintaining that identity cannot exist outside of itself. This rejection of Hegel's concept of identity and difference is linked to Wittgenstein's disinterest in desire and his belief that relations should be absolute and distinct.
Wittgenstein's rejection of contradiction
Wittgenstein challenges the notion of contradiction, asserting that it cannot exist in reality or even within the symbolic realm. He argues that contradictions are nonsensical statements and that conflicts or oppositions are more acceptable. While this contradicts dialectical thinking, Wittgenstein refuses to accept contradiction as a part of his investigation, suggesting that contradictions are statements with no sense. He references examples such as tautology and contradiction to illustrate his argument and explores the implications of contradiction in different domains, like film and Western movies.
Ryan and Todd discuss Ludwig Wittgenstein's project in the Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus. They begin by looking at this project on its own terms and taking stock of its grand ambitions. Then they examine its intersection with the concerns of psychoanalysis and dialectics.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
