Abstract

On the one hand, Wittgenstein considers philosophy as a generator of mental confusion, but on the other hand, he desires philosopher as a therapist. This two-sided attitude to philosophy begins with Tractatus and then admitting the various therapeutic methods, reaches to the second period of his life. Recently, the origins of Wittgenstein's therapeutic approach in Tractatus are neglected by most of his positivist commentators, instead, this approach have been followed in the second period of his thought, especially in Philosophical Investigations. In this essay, we have tried to clarify this obscurity and to indicate the roots of Wittgenstein's therapeutic approach in Tractatus. Since mentioning the "symptom" or symptoms of mental confusion resulting from philosophical thinking and stage of its "diagnosis" is considered as preparations of therapy, we, by emphasizing on the therapeutic value of clarity, will survey "symptom", "diagnosis" and finally Wittgenstein's therapeutic approach toward philosophy in Tractatus, and then we will point out some reasons causing negligence to Tractatus therapeutic approach. In this way, we will show that Wittgenstein, from the beginning of his philosophical thinking, has believed in this approach and in Philosophical Investigations he has just declared it in the everyday language. Here, we will also unveil restriction of Wittgenstein's therapeutic approach to philosophy.