Preface of Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus

Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus is a book written by Ludwig Wittgenstein. The section below will discuss the book’s preface.

Wittgenstein begins the preface of Tractatus by stating that this book is for only those who have already thought the thoughts revealed in it. Then, he moves on to talk about the aim of the book. Tractatus deals with the problems of philosophy. These problems, he states, occur because we misunderstand the logic of our language. Therefore, when one engages in philosophy, it does not mean one is answering philosophical problems. Instead, when one is dealing with philosophy, they see that these problems of philosophy rest on misunderstanding, and thus, they stop asking them. It can be summarised using Wittgenstein’s own quotes: What can be said at all can be said clearly; and whereof one cannot speak thereof one must be silent.

Taking this into mind, Wittgenstein, through this book, tries to draw a limit to thinking. Here, we see a paradox. To draw a limit to thinking, one must also think about what cannot be thought. Therefore, the limit can only be drawn in language, and he says that what lies on the other side of the limit will be simply nonsense.

Further, Wittgenstein talks about how he does not cite any sources, because he is indifferent to the fact that what he thinks has already been thought before him by someone else. Despite stating this, he still mentions Frege and Russell, who have stimulated his thoughts.

Finally, Wittgenstein claims that the truth that he provides in Tractatus is indisputable and definite. He also states that Tractatus shows how little is done when the problems of philosophy are solved.

Sources

Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus by Ludwig Wittgenstein