36. “A is a physical object” is a piece of
instruction which we give only to someone who doesn’t understand either what
“A” means, or what “physical object’ means. Thus it is instruction about the
use of words, and “physical object” is a logical concept. (Like colour,
quantity,….) And that is why no such proposition as: “There are physical
objects” can be formulated.
Yet we encounter such unsuccessful shots at
every turn.
‘A is a physical object’ –
is not a statement that makes any real
sense –
outside of some context
when we consider it as Wittgenstein has
presented it here –
we consider it is a candidate for sense
so we need to know the circumstance in
which the statement is made –
in order for it to have sense
yes it could be an instruction about the
use of words
and yes ‘physical object’ – in a certain
context –
might be further described as a ‘logical
concept’
the fact is – the proposition ‘there are
physical objects’ –
can be formulated –
as Wittgenstein’s formulation of it here
shows
the question is not of formulation – but
use –
and just how it is to be used –
is not a certain matter –
and for that reason –
there will be no definite analysis
if you take the view that ‘there are
physical objects’ –
is context independent –
then it will not be a shot –
at anything
© greg t. charlton. 2009.
