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Single Idea 7784

[from 'Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus' by Ludwig Wittgenstein, in 5. Theory of Logic / E. Structures of Logic / 4. Variables in Logic ]

Full Idea

The variable name ‘x’ is the proper sign of the pseudo-concept object. Wherever the word ‘object’ (‘thing’, ‘entity’, etc.) is rightly used, it is expressed in logical symbolism by the variable name.

Gist of Idea

'Object' is a pseudo-concept, properly indicated in logic by the variable x

Source

Ludwig Wittgenstein (Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus [1921], 4.1272)

Book Reference

Wittgenstein,Ludwig: 'Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus (Pears)', ed/tr. Pears,D. /McGuinness,B. [RKP 1961], p.29


A Reaction

This seems to be the germ of Quine's famous dictum (Idea 1610). I am not persuaded that because logic must handle an object as a variable, that it follows that we are dealing with a pseudo-concept. Let logic limp behind life.

Related Idea

Idea 1610 To be is to be the value of a variable, which amounts to being in the range of reference of a pronoun [Quine]