Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus · Chapter
4.45 explained
Wittgenstein discusses the number of possible groups of truth-conditions for n elementary propositions, noting that these groups can be ordered in a series.
What happens
Wittgenstein discusses the number of possible groups of truth-conditions for n elementary propositions, noting that these groups can be ordered in a series.
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Narrative arc
Story tension across the book.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
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Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Logical Atomism
The discussion of elementary propositions and their truth-conditions is central to logical atomism.
- Logic and Tautology
The ordering of truth-conditions relates to the logical structure of propositions.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Wittgenstein
Author of the proposition
Key passages
“For n elementary propositions there are L n possible groups of truth-conditions.”
Given n elementary propositions, the number of distinct sets of truth-conditions is L n.
Clarifies the combinatorial nature of truth-conditions.
“The groups of truth-conditions which belong to the truth-possibilities of a number of elementary propositions can be ordered in a series.”
The sets of truth-conditions corresponding to the truth-possibilities of several elementary propositions can be arranged sequentially.
Highlights the possibility of ordering truth-condition groups.
