Wittgenstein's 'Big Book' Thought Experiment: Exploring the Boundaries of Ethical Expression

Wittgenstein's 'Big Book' thought experiment remains a fascinating exploration of the limits of our language and its relationship to the world, particularly when it comes to the domain of ethics. This essay delves into the intricacies of Wittgenstein's early views on ethics as outlined in his Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus and how his 'Big Book' experiment further solidifies these ideas.

Understanding the Tractatus

Wittgenstein's early work, published in Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus, presents a philosophy that is both logical and transcendental in nature. He believed that the world is composed of facts that can be expressed in language. Yet, within this framework, he identified a realm that could not be captured by language: ethics. According to Wittgenstein, ethics does not belong to what can be said, but rather to what must be silent.

The Argument from Silence

Wittgenstein's assertion is that even a comprehensive 'Big Book' containing every possible fact about the world would lack the means to express ethical truths. This is because ethical truths lie outside the realm of what can be said coherently in language. Thus, any attempt to express ethical truths would be nonsensical, as they transcend the limits of language and thought.

The Tractatus states, 'Whereof one cannot speak, thereof one must be silent.' (TLP 7.022). This quote encapsulates the idea that ethical matters are so fundamental that they not only exist outside the realm of language but also demand silence from those who cannot find a way to articulate them meaningfully.

The Beetle in the Box

Wittgenstein's 'Beetle in the Box' thought experiment is a prime example of his exploration of these ideas. In this experiment, he describes a situation where everyone has a box with a 'beetle' inside, but they can only describe the sensation of looking at the beetle in terms of their own experience. No one can say what it looks like to others, and the only shared understanding is that each person has a beetle that they cannot fully describe to another.

This experiment further reinforces the idea that there are limits to our ability to communicate certain experiences, such as ethical ones. The beetle represents the ineffable nature of subjective experiences and ethical truths. Just as it would be impossible to write a comprehensive 'Big Book' that includes all possible beetle experiences, it would also be impossible to write a book that captures all possible ethical truths.

The Big Book Thought Experiment

Wittgenstein's 'Big Book' thought experiment proposes that if we were to compile every possible fact about the world, we would still be unable to capture the essence of ethical truths. If we were to construct a book containing every conceivable fact and event in the universe, it would still fail to express the truths that come from our deepest ethical convictions and experiences.

Wittgenstein suggests that while a 'Big Book' might capture the operational and factual information of the world, it cannot convey the moral and ethical truths that individuals hold dear. These truths are often deeply personal and cannot be fully expressed through language. They are, as he puts it, a matter of life, and life, in this context, is not something that can be described through language alone.

Evolution of Wittgenstein's Thought

It is important to note that Wittgenstein's views on this matter evolved over the years. In later works, he moved away from the strict logical framework of Tractatus and embraced a more practical and contextual approach. In his later writings, such as Philosophical Investigations, he began to propose that some ethical and aesthetic judgments are not subject to the same strict logical scrutiny as propositions in science and logic.

These later works suggest that while certain ethical statements may be subject to the same skepticism as other philosophical claims, there are still aspects of ethical life that are beyond mere logical analysis. Wittgenstein came to view ethical and aesthetic judgments as forms of expression that are deeply rooted in cultural and personal contexts, rather than merely logical propositions.

For example, in Philosophical Investigations, Wittgenstein writes, 'The correct use of the language in such cases is to say, not, 'We want to know such and such here,' but, 'We are in need of such and such here,' or 'This is what we find interesting here,' or 'This is how we go on here.'

This shift in his thinking reflects a more nuanced understanding of ethics as a part of our lived experiences and the challenges inherent in trying to articulate these experiences through language.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Wittgenstein’s 'Big Book' thought experiment, along with the 'Beetle in the Box' experiment, highlights the limitations of language in expressing ethical truths. While a comprehensive book of every fact and event in the world might seem to encompass everything, it fails to capture the depth and richness of ethical experience. Ethical truths are often ineffable and lie outside the realm of mere logical analysis and propositional language.

It is through this exploration that we can better understand the complexity of ethical thought and the challenges we face in attempting to articulate these concepts. As Wittgenstein’s work continues to influence contemporary philosophy, these ideas remain relevant and thought-provoking.

Key Takeaways: Wittgenstein's early philosophy in Tractatus views ethics as a transcendental domain that cannot be expressed in language. The 'Beetle in the Box' experiment illustrates the ineffability of certain experiences, including ethical ones. Wittgenstein's later work in Investigations argues that while ethical judgments are partly subjective and cultural, they are still significant and meaningful.

Further Reading: Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus by Ludwig Wittgenstein Philosophical Investigations by Ludwig Wittgenstein The Meaning of Meaning by C. K. Ogden and I. A. Richards (discusses context and meaning in communication)