Propositions are truth-functions of elementary propositions. (An elementary proposition is a truth-function of itself.) (5)
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Complex statements are built from simpler true or false statements.
- In plain terms
- Big ideas come from combining small true or false ideas.
- What can you take from it?
- Break down complex claims to see their basic truth parts.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What is an elementary proposition?
- How do truths combine?
Another view
Not all meaning comes from simple true or false parts.
More from Ludwig Wittgenstein
A tautology's truth is certain, a proposition's possible, a contradiction's impossible. (Certain, possible, impossible: here we have the first indication of th…
Permalink to quote #21 If I cannot say a priori what elementary propositions there are, then the attempt to do so must lead to obvious nonsense. (5.5571)
Permalink to quote #23 It is quite impossible for a proposition to state that it itself is true. (4.442)
Permalink to quote #20
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