logical atomism

logical atomism
The philosophy of the Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus (1921) of Wittgenstein, and the paper ‘The Philosophy of Logical Atomism’ by Russell (1918). Both share the belief that there is a process of logical and philosophical analysis of language which ultimately terminates in ‘atoms’ of meaning. To such atoms correspond elements in states of affairs or facts, so the process reveals the basic metaphysics implied by our language, or, in the case of Wittgenstein, by all possible languages (since the process of analysis reveals what must be the case for picturing, or meaning, to be possible). In Russell the doctrine had a generally empiricist character, since he conceived of the process as terminating in elements with which we have direct acquaintance . Optimism about the possibility of revealing hidden and basic logical structure was passed on to logical positivism, but both Russell and Wittgenstein eventually turned away from the enterprise.

Philosophy dictionary. . 2011.

Игры ⚽ Нужно сделать НИР?

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Logical atomism — is a philosophical belief that originated in the early 20th century with the development of analytic philosophy. Its principal exponents were the British philosopher Bertrand Russell, the early work of his Austrian born pupil and colleague Ludwig …   Wikipedia

  • logical atomism — noun (philosophy) The theory that all propositions can be analysed into simple elements • • • Main Entry: ↑logic …   Useful english dictionary

  • Logical atomism — the theory that all the objects in the universe are composed of very small, indestructible elements. (This is the case for the Western [i.e., Greek] theories of atomism. Buddhists also have well developed theories of atomism, and which involve… …   Mini philosophy glossary

  • Logical Atomism — ▪ philosophy       theory, developed primarily by the British logician Bertrand Russell (Russell, Bertrand) and the Austrian born philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein, proposing that language, like other phenomena, can be analyzed in terms of… …   Universalium

  • logical atomism — noun The doctrine that the world consists of ultimate logical facts (or atoms ) that cannot be broken down any further. <! I have taken over this definition from Wikipedia, in which the definition is tagged as citation missing …   Wiktionary

  • logical atomism — noun Philosophy the theory that all propositions can be analysed into simple independent elements of meaning corresponding to elements making up facts about the world …   English new terms dictionary

  • Logical positivism — (also known as logical empiricism, scientific philosophy, and neo positivism) is a philosophy that combines empiricism the idea that observational evidence is indispensable for knowledge with a version of rationalism incorporating mathematical… …   Wikipedia

  • Logical truth — is one of the most fundamental concepts in logic, and there are different theories on its nature. A logical truth is a statement which is true and remains true under all reinterpretations of its components other than its logical constants. It is… …   Wikipedia

  • atomism — atomist, n. atomistic, atomistical, adj. atomistically, adv. /at euh miz euhm/, n. 1. Also called atomic theory. Philos. the theory that minute, discrete, finite, and indivisible elements are the ultimate constituents of all matter. 2. Psychol. a …   Universalium

  • Atomism — the theory that all the objects in the universe are composed of very small, indestructible elements. (This is the case for the Western [i.e., Greek] theories of atomism. Buddhists also have well developed theories of atomism, and which involve… …   Mini philosophy glossary

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
… Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”