The idea that in order to get clear about the meaning of a general term one had to find the common element in all its applications has shackled philosophical investigation; for it has not only led to no result, but also made the philosopher dismiss as irrelevant the concrete cases, which alone could have helped him understand the usage of the general term. (p. 19)
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Searching for a single common essence in all uses of a term limits understanding; concrete cases matter more.
- In plain terms
- Looking for one common trait in all uses hurts understanding of how words work.
- What can you take from it?
- Focus on specific cases not general traits.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What do all cases share?
- Does one definition fit all?
Another view
Some generalizations are useful for summarizing.
More from Ludwig Wittgenstein
A proposition is completely logically analyzed if its grammar is made clear in no matter what idiom. Part I(1)
Permalink to quote #35 For remember that in general we don't use language according to strict rules - it hasn't been taught us by means of strict rules, either. (p. 25)
Permalink to quote #37 Wovon man nicht sprechen kann, daruber muss man schweigen.
Permalink to quote #34
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