Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus · Chapter
5.153 explained
Wittgenstein asserts that probability is not an intrinsic property of propositions; events are binary—they either occur or they do not.
What happens
Wittgenstein asserts that probability is not an intrinsic property of propositions; events are binary—they either occur or they do not.
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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
- Logic and Tautology
The proposition denies intrinsic probability, aligning with the view that logical propositions are either true or false without degrees.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Wittgenstein
Author of the proposition
Key passages
“A proposition is in itself neither probable nor improbable. An event occurs or does not occur, there is no middle course.”
A proposition does not carry its own likelihood; an event either happens or it doesn't—there is no in-between.
Wittgenstein rejects the idea that probability is a property of propositions themselves.
