Single Idea 23465

[catalogued under 10. Modality / E. Possible worlds / 3. Transworld Objects / a. Transworld identity]

Full Idea

The possibility of its occurrence in atomic facts is the form of the object.

Gist of Idea

The 'form' of an object is its possible roles in facts

Source

Ludwig Wittgenstein (Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus [1921], 2.0141)

Book Reference

Wittgenstein,Ludwig: 'Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus (Pears)', ed/tr. Pears,D. /McGuinness,B. [RKP 1961], p.6


A Reaction

Morris says this picks up the idea from Kant. We might now label the 'form' as the 'modal profile' of the object (a phrase I like). The modern issues over transworld identity seem to be a development of this thought.

Related Ideas

Idea 23454 Appearances have a 'form', which indicates a relational order [Kant]

Idea 23471 The structure of an atomic fact is how its objects combine; this possibility is its form [Wittgenstein]