The metaphysics of the Tractatus

Peter Carruthers

Published by Cambridge University Press, 1990.

 

COVER BLURB

In this remarkably clear and original study of the Tractatus Peter Carruthers has two principlal aims. He seeks to make sense of Wittgenstein's metaphysical doctrines, showing how powerful arguments may be deployed in their support. He also aims to locate the crux of the conflict between Wittgenstein's early and late philosophies. This is shown to arise from his earlier commitment to the objectivity of logic and logical relations, which is the true target of attack of his later discussion of rule-following.

Within this general framework Dr Carruthers explores a number of themes, including the early Wittgenstein's doctrine of the priority of logic over metaphysics, the nature and purpose of his programme of analysis of ordinary language, and the various possible arguments supporting the existence of Simples. He offers many new interpretations, and defends them with considerable attention to textual detail, yet the book's clarity and directness will make it accessible to anyone acquainted with the Tractatus. It will be required reading for all serious students of Wittgenstein's philosophy.

 

CONTENTS

List of abbreviations                          page viii

Preface                                                         ix

1  Semantic background                                1

2  The Context Principle                                14

3  The primacy of logic                                  24

4  Logical objectivism                                    34

5  Determinate Sinn                                        44

6  Vagueness                                                   54

7  The programme of analysis                          64

8  Sense-data and solipsism                             75

9  Simples: weak arguments                             85

10  Simples: stronger arguments                       96

11  The principles of logic                               107

12  Simples and logical objectivism                117

13  Independent elementary propositions         127

14  Modelling elementary propositions            137

15  Deconstruction: following a rule                148

16  Wittgenstein: early and late                        160

Notes                                                                168

References                                                        195

Index of references to the Tractatus                203

Index of names and subjects                            206