What is Tractatus in Philosophy?

The Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus, known simply as Tractatus, is a philosophical work written by the Austrian philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein. First published in 1921, the Tractatus is considered one of the most important works of analytic philosophy of the XNUMXth century. In this glossary, we will explore in detail what the Tractatus is in philosophy, its main ideas and its influence on philosophical thought.

The origin of the Tractatus

The Tractatus was written by Wittgenstein during World War I, while he was serving as a soldier in the Austrian army. During this period, Wittgenstein was deeply involved in philosophical questions and sought to develop a theory that would solve the fundamental problems of philosophy. The result of this effort was the Tractatus, which became one of the most influential works of XNUMXth century philosophy.

The main ideas of the Tractatus

The Tractatus is made up of seven sections, each covering different aspects of philosophy. One of the main ideas of the Tractatus is the theory of meaning, which states that the meaning of a proposition is related to its logical form. According to Wittgenstein, propositions are composed of simple elements, which are represented by words or symbols. These simple elements are combined according to logical rules to form complex propositions.

Language as the limit of the world

Another central idea of ​​the Tractatus is the conception that language is a limit to thought and the world. Wittgenstein argues that language has a logical structure that reflects the structure of the world. However, there are limits to what can be said and thought, and these limits are determined by the structure of language. According to Wittgenstein, what cannot be said or thought must be silenced.

The relationship between the world and language

In the Tractatus, Wittgenstein also discusses the relationship between the world and language. He argues that language is a representation of the world and that propositions are images of the world. However, propositions are not exact copies of the world, but rather representations that capture only some aspects of reality. Wittgenstein states that language is a tool that allows us to describe and understand the world, but it also imposes limits on our understanding.

The nature of thought and reality

One of the fundamental questions addressed in the Tractatus is the nature of thought and reality. Wittgenstein argues that thought is an internal representation of reality and that propositions are expressions of that thought. However, thought cannot directly represent reality, but only capture aspects of it. Wittgenstein states that reality is composed of facts, which are combinations of objects existing in the world.

Logic as the foundation of philosophy

In the Tractatus, Wittgenstein defends the idea that logic is the foundation of philosophy. He argues that logic is the basis for understanding the world and that philosophy should be a logical analysis of language. Wittgenstein seeks to establish a logical language that is capable of correctly expressing the relationships between objects in the world. He believes that by understanding the logical structure of language, we can achieve a deeper understanding of reality.

The influence of the Tractatus on philosophy

The Tractatus had a significant influence on XNUMXth century philosophical thought. His logical and analytical approach influenced many later philosophers, including members of the Vienna Circle and philosophers of the philosophy of language. The Tractatus also influenced the development of philosophy of mind and philosophy of science. Although many of the ideas in the Tractatus were later criticized and revised, their historical importance and contribution to philosophy are undeniable.

Conclusion

Although the Tractatus was written almost a century ago, its ideas continue to be discussed and debated in contemporary philosophy. Wittgenstein's work challenged traditional conceptions of philosophy and brought a logical and analytical approach to the field. His work has influenced generations of philosophers and continues to be a source of inspiration and debate. By exploring what the Tractatus is in philosophy, we can gain a deeper understanding of the fundamental questions of language, thought, and reality.