The Metaphysics of the TractatusIn this remarkably clear and original study of the Tractatus Peter Carruthers has two principal aims. He seeks to make sense of Wittgenstein's metaphysical doctrines, showing how powerful arguments may be deployed in their support. He also aims to locate the crux of the conflict between Wittgenstein's early and late philosophies. This is shown to arise from his earlier commitment to the objectivity of logic and logical relations, which is the true target of attack of his later discussion of rule-following. Within this general framework Dr Carruthers explores a number of themes, including the early Wittgenstein's doctrine of the priority of logic over metaphysics, the nature and purpose of his programme of analysis for ordinary language and the various possible arguments supporting the existence of Simples. He offers many original interpretations and defends them with considerable attention to textual detail, yet the book's clarity and directness will make it accessible to anyone acquainted with the Tractatus. It will be required reading for all serious students of Wittgenstein's philosophy. |
Contents
Semantic background | 1 |
The Context Principle | 14 |
The primacy of logic | 24 |
Logical objectivism | 34 |
Determinate Sinn | 44 |
Vagueness | 54 |
The programme of analysis | 64 |
Sensedata and solipsism | 75 |
Simples and logical objectivism | 117 |
Independent elementary propositions | 127 |
Modelling elementary propositions | 137 |
following a rule | 148 |
early and late | 160 |
Notes | 168 |
195 | |
203 | |
weak arguments | 85 |
stronger arguments | 96 |
The principles of logic | 107 |
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Common terms and phrases
actual affairs already analysis appears argued argument believe capacities Chapter claim colour commitment complete concepts condition connection consider consist contain contingent correct course definition depend describe determinate discussion distinct doctrine elementary propositions essential evidence example Excluded Third existence explain expressions fact fail false follows Frege genuinely give given grasp green idea independent individuals interpretation involved language later least linguistic logical objectivism matter means merely metaphysics mind names nature necessary necessity noted notion objects ordinary ositions Oxford particular philosophy position possess possible worlds predicates premiss present Principle prop question reading reality reason reference rejection relation remarks requirement rule seems sense sentences signs Simples singular Sinn sort speakers stand statement suggests suppose symbols theory thesis thing thinking thought true truth truth-condition truth-value turn understanding University vague Wittgenstein