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Single Idea 6056

[from 'Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus' by Ludwig Wittgenstein, in 9. Objects / F. Identity among Objects / 1. Concept of Identity ]

Full Idea

It is self-evident that identity is not a relation between objects.

Gist of Idea

Identity is not a relation between objects

Source

Ludwig Wittgenstein (Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus [1921], 5.5301)

Book Reference

Wittgenstein,Ludwig: 'Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus (Pears)', ed/tr. Pears,D. /McGuinness,B. [RKP 1961], p.52


A Reaction

Part of Wittgenstein's claim that identity statements are 'pseudo-propositions'. See, in reply, the ideas of McGinn on identity. This was part of the drive that led to the extremes of logical positivism, killing metaphysics for two generations.