Philosophy aims at the logical clarification of thoughts. Philosophy is not a body of doctrine but an activity. A philosophical work consists essentially of elucidations. Philosophy does not result in 'philosophical propositions', but rather in the clarification of propositions. Without philosophy thoughts are, as it were, cloudy and indistinct: its task is to make them clear and to give them sharp boundaries. (4.112)
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Philosophy is an activity to clarify thoughts and propositions, not a set of doctrines.
- In plain terms
- Philosophy clears up confused thoughts instead of making rules.
- What can you take from it?
- Use philosophy to clarify thinking, not to create dogma.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is philosophy about answers or questions?
- How do you clarify your thoughts?
Another view
This view limits philosophy to clarification, ignoring its role in building theories.
More from Ludwig Wittgenstein
The thought is the significant proposition. (4)
Permalink to quote #18 It is quite impossible for a proposition to state that it itself is true. (4.442)
Permalink to quote #20 The logical picture of the facts is the thought. (3)
Permalink to quote #17
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