This log was inspired by "How to Read Wittgenstein" and "Ludwig Wittgenstein: the duty of genius" by Ray Monk. It is based on reading Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus by Ludwig Wittgenstein translated by D. F. Pears & B. F. McGuinness (Routledge and Kegan Paul:1963)

Sunday, March 30, 2008

We cannot think anything illogical.

The logical image of facts is thought. For: 'A matter is conceivable' means we can picture it. A thought implies that what is thought about could be; for what is conceivable is also possible. The entirety of true thoughts is an image of the world.

We cannot think anything illogical, since otherwise we would have to think illogically. It was said once that God can create all things except those that are contrary to logic. But, in the event, we cannot tell what an illogical world would look like.

One cannot create something 'contrary to logic' in language just as we cannot create the coordinates of a figure counter to the laws of space in geometry; or give the coordinates of a point that does not exist. We can, of course, portray matters of fact that contravene the laws of physics spatially, but none that would contravene the laws of geometry.

To be true a priori, the thought itself must imply its truth. We could only know that a thought was true a priori if its truth were discernible without an object of comparison.

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