Wittgenstein picture theory Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Wittgenstein picture theory - Essay Example What is the difference between a picture and a proposition? How according, to Wittgenstein, are pictures and propositions alike? How are they different? Introduction Ludwig Wittgenstein, a renowned Philosopher, has contributed greatly on the field of meaning of language and how it relates to the world. This relationship has language being looked at as possessing the capability to communicate facts in a precise and concise way, such that, the propositions are able to reflect reality falsely or rightly. In his book, Wittgenstein formulates the exact features a language should have so as to be able to reflect reality and hence make meaning. The languages that do not possess these features he says of them as lacking any important meaning. Still in his book Wittgenstein seeks out to delineate the vital features of propositions that are meaningful. He tries to address the question of the minimum circumstances of meaningfulness. This means, questioning what qualities a proposition should ha ve so as to be able to picture a possibility. With this background then, it therefore is possible to see the philosophers’ arguments about propositions and also better understand the picture’s theory of meaning he advanced in trying to better understand his work (Wittgenstein 1-19). ... e when the truth-conditions are satisfied thus enabling a statement to be judged as being true or false but which again depends on the actual facts found in the world is true in the use of language. Wittgenstein (22-97), argues that propositions are pictures of states of affairs. He does this by trying to distinguish the differences that emerge between saying something and showing something in trying to explain the use of language. His main objective is trying to show what can be described in language and that which cannot be described. He emphasizes on the importance of facts and objects and how they are paramount in showing the relationship that can be viewed by propositions and the elements of these propositions. By treating language thus it is meant to help people understand that just like facts propositions are also very complex in nature. This complex nature is seen in the order of how words and other language items occur also in the way names can only occur in the nexus of pro positions. As propositions are able at all costs determine reality precisely and whether falsely or rightly means that one can be able to deduce and make their own individual judgments. Wittgenstein’s picture theory of meaning and how the theory applies to what Wittgenstein calls propositions or propositional signs. Wittgenstein’s picture theory of meaning as seen in his book is one that is trying to look for the connection or relationship between language and the word. This he is doing by exploring the affinity of picturing. Seen clearly in the theory of meaning is the notion that the basic objective of a linguistic endeavor is to portray the world precisely and accurately. The philosopher looks at the world and language as two separate and independents entities that can only be