Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus · Chapter
5.42 explained
Wittgenstein argues that logical connectives like '∨' and '⊃' are not genuine relations, as shown by the possibility of cross-defining them.
What happens
Wittgenstein argues that logical connectives like '∨' and '⊃' are not genuine relations, as shown by the possibility of cross-defining them. This demonstrates that they are not primitive signs and do not signify relations.
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Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Falling action.
- 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
- Logic and Tautology
The chapter examines the nature of logical connectives, showing they are not relations but part of the tautological structure of logic.
- Critique of Traditional Philosophy
Wittgenstein critiques Frege and Russell's treatment of logical primitives, arguing they are not primitive signs.
Characters to notice
- Frege
Mentioned in context of logical primitive signs
- Bertrand Russell
Mentioned in context of logical primitive signs
- Mr. Wittgenstein
Author of the argument
Key passages
“That ∨ , ⊃ , etc. , are not relations in the sense of right and left, etc. , is obvious.”
Logical connectives like 'or' and 'implies' are not relations like spatial ones.
Clarifies the non-relational nature of logical constants.
“The possibility of crosswise definition of the logical “primitive signs” of Frege and Russell shows by itself that these are not primitive signs and that they signify no relations.”
The fact that logical signs can be defined in terms of each other proves they are not primitive and do not denote relations.
Highlights the interdependence of logical constants.
