On Wittgenstein’s and Carnap’s conceptions of the dissolution of philosophical problems, and against a therapeutic mix: How to solve the paradox of the Tractatus

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Abstract

In this article, I distinguish Wittgenstein's conception of the dissolution of philosophical problems from that of Carnap. I argue that the conception of dissolution assumed by the therapeutic interpretations of the Tractatus is more similar to Carnap's than to Wittgenstein's for whom dissolution involves spelling out an alternative in the context of which relevant problems do not arise. To clarify this I outline a non‐therapeutic resolute reading of the Tractatus that explains how Wittgenstein thought to be able to make a positive contribution to logic and the philosophy thereof without putting forward any (ineffable) theses. This explains why there is no paradox in the Tractatus.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)213-240
Number of pages28
JournalPhilosophical Investigations
Volume42
Issue number3
Early online date29 Jan 2019
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jul 2019

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