Wittgenstein on Logical Form and Kantian Geometry

Dialogue 29 (4):531- (1990)
  Copy   BIBTEX

Abstract

That Wittgenstein in the Tractatus likens logic to geometry has been noticed; however, the extent and force of the analogy he develops between logical form and a broadly Kantian account of geometry has not been sufficiently appreciated. In this paper, I trace Wittgenstein's analogy in detail by looking closely at the relevant texts. I then suggest that we regard the fact that Wittgenstein develops his account of logical form by analogy with a Kantian account of geometry as evidence for the bold thesis that Wittgenstein belongs within a Kantian epistemological tradition. Finally, I supply two small pieces of the interpretive puzzle needed to support the larger thesis: first, evidence that Wittgenstein's concern with logical form involves a crucial epistemological component; second, a sketch of how Wittgenstein's account of logical and mathematical knowledge can be viewed as continuing a Kantian tradition.

Other Versions

No versions found

Links

PhilArchive

    This entry is not archived by us. If you are the author and have permission from the publisher, we recommend that you archive it. Many publishers automatically grant permission to authors to archive pre-prints. By uploading a copy of your work, you will enable us to better index it, making it easier to find.

    Upload a copy of this work     Papers currently archived: 102,323

External links

Setup an account with your affiliations in order to access resources via your University's proxy server

Through your library

Similar books and articles

Projective Geometry in Logical Space: Rethinking Tractarian Thoughts.Pablo Acuña - 2017 - International Journal of Philosophical Studies 26 (1):1-23.
The Tractatus on Logical Consequence.José L. Zalabardo - 2009 - European Journal of Philosophy 18 (3):425-442.
Language and Logic in Wittgenstein’s Tractatus.Daniele Mezzadri - 2013 - Nordic Wittgenstein Review 2 (1):57-80.
On Logic, Syntax, and Slience.Majid Davoody Beni - 2015 - Studies in Logic, Grammar and Rhetoric 42 (1):195-209.
On Wittgenstein's Kantian solution of the problem of philosophy.Hanne Appelqvist - 2016 - British Journal for the History of Philosophy 24 (4):697-719.
A study in Wittgenstein's Tractatus.Alexander Maslow - 1961 - Berkeley,: University of California Press.
Logical reasons.Pascal Engel - 2005 - Philosophical Explorations 8 (1):21 – 38.

Analytics

Added to PP
2010-09-25

Downloads
62 (#350,305)

6 months
10 (#404,522)

Historical graph of downloads
How can I increase my downloads?

Citations of this work

Thought and Language in the Tractatus.Donna M. Summerfield - 1992 - Midwest Studies in Philosophy 17 (1):224-245.

Add more citations

References found in this work

Tractatus logico-philosophicus.Ludwig Wittgenstein - 1922 - Filosoficky Casopis 52:336-341.
Use and Reference of Names.Hidè Ishiguro - 1969 - In Peter Winch (ed.), Studies in the Philosophy of Wittgenstein. New York,: Routledge. pp. 20-50.
Frege's epistemology.Philip Kitcher - 1979 - Philosophical Review 88 (2):235-262.
Logic, language-games and information, kantian themes in the philosophy of logic.Jaakko Hintikka - 1973 - Revue Philosophique de la France Et de l'Etranger 163:477-478.
Kant's theory of geometry.Michael Friedman - 1985 - Philosophical Review 94 (4):455-506.

View all 11 references / Add more references