A Ladder and a Cave

Hrachovec, Herbert (2014) A Ladder and a Cave. In: 37th International Ludwig-Wittgenstein-Symposium: Analytical and Continental Philosophy: Methods and Perspectives, 10.-16. August 2014, Kirchberg/Wechsel, N.Ö..

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Abstract

Wittgenstein's Tractatus does, at a first glance, employ a Platonic strategy, dividing the universe of discourse into two realms, with an atemporal, rationally transparent order determining a lower stratum. On closer inspection the Tractatus' „prototypes“ (Urbilder) come surprisingly close to Platonic ideas. The Wittgensteinian metaphor of a ladder may therefore profitably be compared to Plato's parable of ascent from a cave, the crucial difference being that Wittgenstein's image does not provide a return option. Feedback between the ideal and the real is, on the other hand, an essential ingredient of the success of Plato-style progress. The later Wittgenstein, consequently, rejects the metaphor of a ladder in favor of what might be called the trouble-free plateau of the ordinary. Yet, this is not his only lesson. He also considers a kind of reverse Platonism with the philosopher, confused about the way things are, in need of redemption.

Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
Subjects: Philosophie > Philosophische Disziplinen > Metaphysik
Philosophie > Philosophische Disziplinen > Logik, analytische Philosophie
Philosophie > Philosophische Institutionen > Institut für Philosophie, Wien
Depositing User: sandra subito
Date Deposited: 06 Dec 2020 16:09
Last Modified: 06 Dec 2020 16:09
URI: http://sammelpunkt.philo.at/id/eprint/3654

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