The logical basis of the tractarian ontology

Abstract

This paper focuses on the relation between logic and ontology. In particular, it demonstrates how classical logical theory can clarify the ontological part of Ludwig Wittgenstein's Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus. To this end, the work examines the adequacy of a formal system that was devised by the Polish logician, mathematician and philosopher Roman Suszko (1919-1979) as a model for the Tractatus. Following a brief explanation of the Tractarian ontology, the main ideas of Suszko's system and its philosophical significance will be considered. The latter will be illustrated in the context of central Tractarian concepts. Finally, two implications for a better understanding of the Tractarian ontology will be pointed out. © 2007 Springer Science + Business Media B.V.