If I cannot say a priori what elementary propositions there are, then the attempt to do so must lead to obvious nonsense. (5.5571)
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Trying to list all basic truths beforehand leads to nonsensical results.
- In plain terms
- You cannot guess all basic facts ahead of time without making mistakes.
- What can you take from it?
- Don't assume you know all the basics before investigating.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Can you list all basic facts about the world?
- What assumptions do you make as basics?
Another view
It ignores that some foundational knowledge is necessary to begin inquiry.
More from Ludwig Wittgenstein
Propositions are truth-functions of elementary propositions. (An elementary proposition is a truth-function of itself.) (5)
Permalink to quote #22 The limits of my language mean the limits of my world. (5.6)
Permalink to quote #24 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
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