on certainty 414

414. But on the other hand: how do I know that is my hand? Do I even here know exactly what it means to say it is my hand? – When I say “how do I know?” I do not mean that I have the least doubt of it. What we have here is a foundation for all my action. But it seems to me that it is wrongly expressed by the words “I know”.

‘I know’ –

as the foundation of all my action –

but wrongly expressed by ‘I know’

so the idea is – this foundation –

whatever it is –

is unexpressed

this is mysticism –

not logic

perhaps Wittgenstein recognizes

that any proposal he might put forward –

for a foundation –

is open to question –

open to doubt –

is uncertain –

and this is just what he doesn’t want –

despite being logically compelled –

to this conclusion –

so he plays the mystical hand

we can only see this as –

pathetic

© greg t. charlton. 2010.