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Tractatus

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Definition

Tractatus refers to Ludwig Wittgenstein’s Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus, a classic of twentieth-century analytic philosophy on world, propositions, logic, and the limits of language.

Background

It is the central work of early Wittgenstein and tries to show the limits of world, thought, and language through a logical construction. Later Wittgenstein is often read against this earlier picture of language.

Position

It is a niche but important reference for Tacit Knowledge, what can or cannot be put into words, philosophy of language, and the early-later Wittgenstein contrast.

Distinctions

  • The Tractatus is distinct from later Wittgenstein’s Philosophical Investigations.
  • It is not merely a logic textbook; it is a philosophical work about the limits of language, world, and philosophy.

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A concept map for Tractatus.

Page Context

  • Polanyi, Wittgenstein, and tacit knowledge
    Point of contact between Polanyi's tacit knowledge and Tractatus Logico-Philosophique 1. Executive Summary Both Polanyi and the early Wittgenstein showed that knowledge cannot b...
    Quote: Polanyi, Wittgenstein, and tacit knowledge

    philosophy-knowledge

Pages

  • Polanyi, Wittgenstein, and tacit knowledge

    Compare Polanyi's tacit knowledge and what can be said/shown in Tractatus Logico-Philosophique from the perspectives of practical understanding and comprehensive understanding.

    philosophy-knowledge