Wittgensteins Picture Theory in the Tractatus

Wittgensteins Picture Theory in the Tractatus AN EVALUATION OF WITTGENSTEIN’S PICTURE THEORY IN THE TRACTATUS Wittgenstein created the picture theory of meaning in his Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus as a way to look at how design and the mechanics of artistic drawing are translated from an interaction with the physical world as well as to expound on his interests in ethics and the mythical state of existence. This paper explores Wittgenstein’s picture theory as it is explained within his work, Tractatus, in order to understand the true dynamics of what he was trying to propose and how it is still relevant today. Before delving into the obtuse philosophical ideas that Wittgenstein puts forth in his first book, the Tractatus, it is important to take a moment to first get a sense of why the book was written and why it seemed to be so difficult to digest. This book was written while Wittgenstein was serving with the Austrian army during World War I and whilst a prison of war in Italy (Jago 2006: 1). The idea of the book sprung out of his work related to the â€Å"analysis of complex sentences into symbolic components† (Cashell 2005: 6). His theory was that â€Å"if a proto-sign was discovered to represent the universal form of the general proposition, then such a sign would somehow also demonstrate the logical structure underlying language: that which enables language to describe†¦a reality apparently indifferent to our description of it† (Cashell 2005: 6). His conclusion that â€Å"the relational form (logo) co-ordinating thought, language and the world was pictorial in natu re† (Cashell 2005: 6), setting the foundation for the Tractatus. The book is written in a condensed writing style that reflects the depth and complexity of what Wittgenstein was trying to express in as logical manner as possible (Jago 2006: 1). Wittgenstein divided the book up into a series of numbered paragraphs that represented seven integer propositions and created an outline of the book (Hauptli 2006: 6). The Tractatus was the vehicle that Wittgenstein used to explain his picture theory. It is important to note that the picture theory did not just mean visual images. The theory also incorporated language, music, art, and engineering. Primarily, Wittgenstein relied on engineering, or projection drawing, as the basis for the picture theory because it seemed like the easiest way to explain his ideas (Biggs 2000: 7). His main objective in creating the Tractatus was to â€Å"determine the limit of expression of thought† and â€Å"establish the notion of the projective form in his picture theory† by making â€Å"a logical correspondence between the language and reality† (Actus 2007: 2-3). The picture theory is defined as â€Å"a theory of intentionality, i.e. aboutness† (Mandik 2003: 2). The premise of this theory attempted to make â€Å"an explicit distinction between what can be said and what can be shown† (Biggs 2000: 7). In simplifying what he was trying to say, the basic idea of the theory â€Å"says the function of language is to allow us to picture things† (Jago 2006: 1). Wittgenstein was fascinated with the idea of how to achieve pure realism in visual, artistic, and language mediums (Mandik 2003: 1). It is about using these mediums to create â€Å"the identification of aboutness with resemblance: something is about that which it resembles† (Mandik 2003: 2). Everything is based on the fact that observations are made of â€Å"how paintings and photographs represent their subjects,† meaning they have the properties of those objects but have the inability to be the same as those objects (Mandik 2003: 3). Since anything can resem ble a number of objects without being those objects, there is much that is open to interpretation just like words used in sentences can have a lot of meanings (Mandik 2003: 4). However, Wittgenstein did suggest that there had to be a logical connection between the reality and the picture projected of that reality (Actus 2007: 1). In delving farther into the idea of what can be said and what can be shown, many who have studied the picture theory believe that it is based on the analogy of depiction where â€Å"an engineering drawing is derived by means of projection from the object, and the way in which language and/or thought is derived from the world around us† (Biggs 2000: 1). This analogy does not mean that the world is like the representation but instead is based on an interpretation of what the artist or mechanical engineer sees from their perspective (Biggs 2002: 2). This means that â€Å"language or other forms of representation stand in a relationship to the objects that they represent, and this relationship is analogous to the relationship that subsists between pictures and objects† (Biggs 2000: 7). Wittgenstein’s depiction of performance spoke about the ability to â€Å"reconstruct an object from its representation, to reconstruct a thought from a sentence, etc.† (Biggs 20 00: 4). It is important to emphasize here that â€Å"what a picture means is independent of whether it is a truthful representation or not† (Jago 2006: 1). What is more important is the idea â€Å"that the lines in the diagram are related together in a way that mimics the way the things they correspond to are related† (Jago 2006: 1). In this way, he made the distinction between showing and saying (Mandik 2003: 1). It is important that pictures showed something instead of said something, doing this through grammar, form, or logic within the human and natural languages (Hauptli 2006: 3). Instead of simply trying to interpret what the world appears to look like, Wittgenstein took it to the next level by trying to â€Å"operate within the model and draw conclusions about properties in the world† (Biggs 2000: 3). Labelled the â€Å"theory of description, he elucidates logically the essential situation when the languages describe the reality† (Actus 2007: 3). This is where the â€Å"thing is whether it keeps a proper (right) relation to the reality (Actus 2007: 3). This involved actual mathematical calculations rather than simple depictions and moved the person toward â€Å"graphical statics and dynamic models† (Biggs 2000: 3). In carrying this thought process over into the world of language, Wittgenstein then believed that a method could be constructed that enabled decisions related to ethical matters and other intangible ideals (Biggs 2000: 3). Overall, Wittgenstein was looking to achieve â€Å"a perfect language† (Biggs 2000: 6). His theory of language says that â€Å"sentence work like pictures: their purpose is also to picture possible situations† (Jago 2006: 2). His philosophy was not concerned with mental pictures that come from language but relied on â€Å"a more abstract notion of a picture, as something that either agrees or disagrees with any way the world might have been, and which says, this is the way things actually are† (Jago 2006: 2). In other words, â€Å"For sentences to have sense, they can not depend exclusively on the sense of other sentences – ultimately there must be elementary propositions which get their sense not from other sentences, but rather direct ly from the world† (Hauptli 2006: 3). To Wittgenstein, the world is comprised of â€Å"simples, which are named by certain words† that are put into a certain number of combinations that create reality (Hauptli 2006: 3). This other viewpoint on Wittgenstein’s picture theory has become known as the â€Å"form-of-life,† which was about the â€Å"general relationship of notation and conceivability† (Biggs 2000: 7). This invoked the idea that Wittgenstein proposed that humans try to â€Å"live from the nature of the world† rather than just imitating or depicting it (Biggs 2000: 7). This would allow humans to â€Å"understand the reality of life† which is currently unexplainable because it is hard to see directly (Actus 2007: 3). Going back to the original simplified idea about the theory, language then becomes a way for humans to get in touch and experience the true reality of life and nature. It is this idea of being connected to nature on another level that suggests that Wittgenstein’s picture theory also included his ideas about and interest in the metaphysical. In fact, Albert Levi concluded that the Tractatus represented â€Å"a picture of traditional metaphysical dualism (Cashell 2005: 3). This is evident in his metaphor of the eye in which â€Å"it can see only that which his other than itself† as he says that â€Å"from nothing in the field of sight can it be concluded that it is seem from an eye† (Mandik 2003: 7). In connection to metaphysical beliefs, Wittgenstein â€Å"took language, logic, world and self to be coextensive† and concluded the Tractatus by stating that anyone will truly understand the world once they move beyond his limited suggestions about the world (Mandik 2003: 8-9). His comments here at the end of Tractatus emphasised his belief that â€Å"all philosophical reflection is meaningless† (Jago 2006: 4). Wittgenstein illustrated the difference between that meaninglessness and what he was attempting to do in this book by showing his readers things instead of attempting to draw conclusions for them (Jago 2006: 4). In this way, his book concludes with his interest in the mystic and metaphysical, taking the reader on a journey through his thoughts and creating pictures through the language he uses within the book to show instead of tell. References Actus. (2007). Wittgenstein and his picture theory. Available at: http://www.actus.org/witt.html. Biggs, M.A.R. (2000). Visualisation and Wittgenstein’s â€Å"Tractatus.† Faculty of Art and Design, University of Hertfordshire, 1-9. Cashell, K. (2005). Attempt to understand Wittgenstein’s picture theory of the proposition. Available at: http://www.ul.ie/~philos/vol2/cashell.html. Hauptli, B. W. (2006). Hauptli’s introduction to the Tractatus. Available at: http://www.fiu.edu/~hauptili/IntroductiontoWittgenstein’sTractatus.html. Jago, M. (2006). Pictures and nonsense. Philosophy Now. Available at: http://www.philosophynow.org/issue58/58jago.htm. Mandik, P. (2003). Picturing, showing, and solipsism in Wittgenstein’s Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus. Available at: http://www.petemandik.com/philosophy/papers/witt.html.

Macbeths Ambition :: essays research papers

Macbeth’s Ambition Political ambition undermines man’s loyalty. In the play, Macbeth decides to kill his king because of his ambition for position. At the beginning of the play, he portrays himself as a noble person. He fights in the battle against Norway and proves his loyalty; however, as soon as the witches prophesize that Macbeth “shall be king hereafter'; (1.3.53), he is not longer trustworthy. Ambition for power starts creeping into his head. After Macbeth’s internal conflict over whether or not to kill Duncan, he decides to do it quickly (1.7.3) in order to hasten the predictions. He decides to kill the king because he wants to extend his power all over the country by becoming the new monarch. He desires to be more wealthy and respected by the nobility as well as by the common people. Becoming king represents the highest rang in the political pyramid. The act of murdering is the only way to make his dreams come true because Duncan’s fair and prosperous rule over Scotland experience the support of the whole population. As Malcom and Donalbain fly to England, he automatically takes possession of the throne. Macbeth displays political ambition first of all because of his wife. After she reads her husband’s letter about his meeting with the witches, she suggests for Macbeth to kill Duncan so she could be queen. At the beginning Macbeth hesitates to talk about such a thing and even lists the reason not to kill: he is his king, his uncle and his guest. Not completely sure about it and victim of his own desires for power he finally accepts Lady Macbeth’s plan for murdering the ruler of Scotland. This decision portrays Macbeth’s dirty morality and easily manageable personality. Macbeth’s character is a clear example of how ambition corrupts man’s personality. After a brief period of hesitation, he finally decides to take the infamous way of murder in order to make his political desires come true. His ambition, stronger than the moral and social condemnation of killing, becomes his sole motive. The American philosopher David Young goes further in this analysis and sees in Macbeth how “the act of regicide is a ready means of illustrating the genesis of tragic structure in struggles for power'; (Young 318).

Imran Khan-Leadership Analysis

Imran Khan as a Political Leader The journey of our leader has never stopped and after successful completion of two goals, he involved in Politics and founded â€Å"Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf† in 1996. Though his party could not secure even a single seat in the first election (1997) since their inception, however he later managed to win the election (2002) and got membership in National Assembly of Pakistan.He was not a popular choice in this field until 2009, but his consistent attitude towards achievement of a set goal has now brought him to the position where he is the most preferred individual leader and his party now enjoys the top position in Pakistan with 31% support of the people as revealed in latest surveys by IRI. Since Imran Khan has stepped into this field after emergence of new paradigm, therefore his leadership journey has been evaluated on the same. Change and Crisis ManagementThe political history of Pakistan has not a good repute amongst democratic thinkers.Mil itary and politics have so far been playing musical chair with the power position in the country. The latest Military rule ended just 4 years ago when the fifth military dictator General Pervez Musharraf was forced to step down after 9 years of stay in power. Dictatorship is no more fruitful in any country in today’s world and Pakistan is no exception to it. The country has undoubtedly suffered a lot in terms of isolation in the world during military era. Imran Khan has been long demanding the limited interference of military in the politics.The forced removal of the Chief Justice of Pakistan from his post by General Musharraf created a political turmoil in the country. Imran Khan was the first one who stood up and raised the voice for the protection of the judiciary in the country and mobilized the local masses which forced the dictator to change his decision and eventually he had to move out of the office as well. So far, he has been to pass this one factor of the new leade rship paradigm, however he will be further tested when he reaches the top position in near future.Diversity and CollaborationPakistan is located in a region which is focus of the world at the moment. All major powers and players have their vested interests on stake in this region. The situation in Afghanistan, worlds’ perception about Iran, conflicting interests of China, USA and India basically aim to gain control over this area. This demands a highly diverse and collaborating nature leadership in the country. The political views and philosophy of Imran Khan aligns with these requirements.His stance about negotiations with India to resolve all disputes, a respectful departure of the foreign troops from Afghanistan and close partnership with China addresses the most of the problems of the country. Higher Purpose and Humility Justice, accountability of corrupt leaders and poverty elevation have been the principle stance of Imran Khan since the day he landed in the politics. Pa kistan is one of the most resourceful country in the world. Pakistan has world’s second largest coal reservoir which can produce oil more than the entire gulf region for next 50 years.The world’s seventh largest copper and gold reservoir and the future Dubai (Gawadar port) also exist in Pakistan. Even then, the country suffers from the poverty and this is due to only one reason that ‘there has never been an honest leadership after the death of her founder’. The best unfortunate example is that even the sitting President and Prime Minister, both have been convicted of civil and criminal crimes in the past. Imran Khan is considered to be the most honest political leader in the country at the moment.Furthermore, his aim to ensure justice and accountability has risen him to this level where he is now been deliberated as a future Prime Minister of the country. References Shaikh, S, Kakepoto, H, & Memon, A 2010, ‘ROLE OF SPORTS IN LEADERSHIP: A SOCIO POLIT ICAL ANALYSIS', Shield: Research Journal Of Physical Education & Sports Science, 5, pp. 108-119, SPORTDiscus with Full Text, EBSCOhost, viewed 10 May 2012. ——————————————– [ 1 ]. ‘PTI Leads Amongst Political Parties’ viewed on 08 May 2012, at , http://www. thenewstribe. com/2012/05/05/pti-leads-among-pakistan-political-parties-iri-poll/#. T6uc_cVj6a0

I Watched The Film Girl, Interrupted Starring Winona Ryder...

1 A: I watched the film Girl, Interrupted starring Winona Ryder and Angelina Jolie. The film is based on a true story of a young woman with borderline personality disorder named Susana Kaysen. Following a suicide attempt, Susana admits herself into a psychiatric hospital with the encouragement of a mental health professional. Throughout the film, when Susana describes what she experiences psychologically, as well as flashbacks to her previous life in a detached and sulked tone –emphasizing the detachment that Susana feels from herself. Perhaps confronting the reality of her condition is too painful for Susana. Similar to a standard 1960’s mental hospital, patients are constrained to small, cage-like rooms and are treated nearly as prisoners, monitored every ten minutes. She continuously denies the credibility of the institution which entraps her. She resents by the idea of conformity and â€Å"sanity†. This is emphasized as she compares her own condition to Lisa , a seductive and violent sociopath whom she soon befriends. Through her stay, Susana gradually understands the structure of mental illnesses, develops social interactions and friendships he had never experienced before and is able to make sense of her condition. 1 B: Susanna displays signs of personality disorder and possible schizophrenia as she also hallucinates. Lisa is a powerful character who influences Susanna throughout the film that seems to be experiencing sociopathic tendencies. Daisy is another patient whoShow MoreRelated Girl Interrupted Essay986 Words   |  4 Pages GIRL, INTERRUPTED by Susanna Kaysen (New York: Turtle Bay Books, 1993) 1. Author: Susanna Kayson was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1948 where she still lives. She is the author of books which are in some parts related to her personal experiences. She worked as a free-lance editor and proof reader until an introduction to an agent set her career in motion. Her novels: The novel that caught the agents attention, Asa, As I Knew Him, was published in 1987 and people were very interested in