Single Idea 6870

[catalogued under 1. Philosophy / D. Nature of Philosophy / 3. Philosophy Defined]

Full Idea

I recognise the incredible force of Wittgenstein's closing statement in the 'Tractatus', but I hold the opposite view: philosophy exists to give expression to that which we think we can only remain silent about.

Gist of Idea

I say (contrary to Wittgenstein) that philosophy expresses what we thought we must be silent about

Source

comment on Ludwig Wittgenstein (Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus [1921], 7) by Keith Ansell Pearson - Interview with Baggini and Stangroom p.267

Book Reference

Baggini,J/Stangroom,J: 'New British Philosophy' [Routledge 2002], p.267


A Reaction

A wonderful remark, with which I totally agree. Compare Idea 1596. I think it is just a fact that philosophers are able to articulate a huge number of ideas which other intelligent people find very interesting but on which they are unable to speak.

Related Ideas

Idea 2937 What we cannot speak about we must pass over in silence [Wittgenstein]

Idea 1596 Reasoning aims not at the understanding of objects, but at the desire to give beautiful speeches [Roochnik]