Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus · Chapter
5.5 explained
Wittgenstein defines every truth-function as the result of repeatedly applying the negation operation to elementary propositions, where the operation denies all propositions in the right-hand bracket.
What happens
Wittgenstein defines every truth-function as the result of repeatedly applying the negation operation to elementary propositions, where the operation denies all propositions in the right-hand bracket.
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Narrative arc
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- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
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Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Logical Atomism
The operation on elementary propositions reflects the atomic structure of language and truth.
- Logic and Tautology
The definition of truth-functions through negation relates to the formal nature of logical operations.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Wittgenstein
Author of the proposition defining truth-functions via successive negation.
Key passages
“Every truth-function is a result of the successive application of the operation ( − − − − − T ) ( ξ , . . . . . ) to elementary propositions.”
All truth-functions are generated by repeatedly applying a specific negation operation to basic propositions.
Clarifies the generative process of truth-functions from elementary propositions.
“This operation denies all the propositions in the right-hand bracket and I call it the negation of these propositions.”
The operation negates every proposition listed in the right-hand bracket, which I term the negation of those propositions.
Defines the operation as a form of joint negation.
