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Single Idea 18720

[from 'Lectures 1930-32 (student notes)' by Ludwig Wittgenstein, in 14. Science / D. Explanation / 1. Explanation / b. Aims of explanation ]

Full Idea

An explanation gives understanding, ...but it cannot teach you understanding, it cannot create understanding. It makes further distinctions i.e. it increases multiplicity. When multiplicity is complete, then there is no further misunderstanding.

Gist of Idea

Explanation gives understanding by revealing the full multiplicity of the thing

Source

Ludwig Wittgenstein (Lectures 1930-32 (student notes) [1931], B X.3)

Book Reference

Wittgenstein,Ludwig: 'Lectures in Cambridge 1930-32', ed/tr. Lee,Desmond [Blackwell 1980], p.48


A Reaction

The thought seems to resemble Aristotle's idea of definition as gradual division of the subject. To understand is the dismantle the parts and lay them out before us. Wittgenstein was very interested in explanation at this time.

Related Idea

Idea 10961 Definition by division is into genus and differentiae [Aristotle]