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About this quote

What does it mean?
Elementary propositions are given because no elementary sense exists without them.
In plain terms
Basic statements are given because there is no other basic sense.
What can you take from it?
Some foundational elements must be accepted without proof.

Where it applies

  • theoretical study
  • logic analysis
  • academic debate

Putting it to work

  • accept foundational truths
  • analyze language structure

Questions to consider

  • What must be given in language?
  • Can logic prove itself?

Another view

The logic here is dense and may not apply outside strict formal systems.

More from Ludwig Wittgenstein

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  3. Man is the microcosm: I am my world.

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