Single Idea 18710

[catalogued under 1. Philosophy / D. Nature of Philosophy / 7. Despair over Philosophy]

Full Idea

Philosophers as 'Why?' and 'What?' without knowing clearly what their questions are. They are expressing a feeling of mental uneasiness.

Gist of Idea

Philosophers express puzzlement, but don't clearly state the puzzle

Source

Ludwig Wittgenstein (Lectures 1930-32 (student notes) [1931], B I.1)

Book Reference

Wittgenstein,Ludwig: 'Lectures in Cambridge 1930-32', ed/tr. Lee,Desmond [Blackwell 1980], p.22


A Reaction

He suggests it is childish to express puzzlement, instead of asking for precise information. How odd. All enquiries start with vague puzzlement, which gradually comes into focus, or else is abandoned.