Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus · Chapter
5.02 explained
Wittgenstein distinguishes between arguments of functions and indices of names, arguing that confusing them underlies Frege's theory of propositions and functions.
What happens
Wittgenstein distinguishes between arguments of functions and indices of names, arguing that confusing them underlies Frege's theory of propositions and functions. He illustrates with examples from Russell's notation and the name 'Julius Caesar'.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This passage marks the story’s dramatic climax because it presents the moment when the protagonist’s obsessive…
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Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Critique of Traditional Philosophy
Wittgenstein critiques Frege's theory of meaning by exposing the confusion between argument and index.
- Limits of Language and Thought
The distinction between argument and index highlights how logical notation can mislead understanding.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Wittgenstein
Author of the Tractatus, presenting the distinction between argument and index.
- Bertrand Russell
Referenced for his notation '+c' as an example of indexing.
- Frege
Criticized for confusing argument and index in his theory of meaning.
Key passages
“It is natural to confuse the arguments of functions with the indices of names.”
People often mistakenly treat the arguments of functions as if they were indices attached to names.
Wittgenstein identifies a common logical error.
“The confusion of argument and index is, if I am not mistaken, at the root of Frege’s theory of the meaning of propositions and functions.”
This confusion, I believe, underlies Frege's entire theory of meaning for propositions and functions.
Wittgenstein directly links Frege's error to this confusion.
