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]