more from Ludwig Wittgenstein

Single Idea 6569

[catalogued under 5. Theory of Logic / L. Paradox / 6. Paradoxes in Language / a. The Liar paradox]

Full Idea

According to Wittgenstein, 'this sentence is false' sends us off on an endless, looping search for the proposition to be evaluated.

Gist of Idea

'This sentence is false' sends us in a looping search for its proposition

Source

report of Ludwig Wittgenstein (Zettel [1950], §691) by Robert Fogelin - Walking the Tightrope of Reason Ch.2

Book Reference

Fogelin,Robert: 'Walking the Tightrope of Reason' [OUP 2004], p.51


A Reaction

Fogelin quotes this as one possible strategy for dealing with the Liar Paradox. It doesn't sound like much of a solution to the paradox, merely an account of why it is so annoying. Wittgenstein's challenge is that the Cretan can't state his problem.