elementary proposition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "elementary proposition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to logic, philosophy, or mathematics to refer to a basic statement that can be either true or false. Example: "In propositional logic, an elementary proposition serves as the fundamental building block for more complex statements."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

But it cannot be an elementary proposition because it will be entailed by any elementary proposition containing 'a,' and elementary propositions are logically independent (4.211).

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This arrangement of objects is the state of affairs pictured by the elementary proposition.

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An elementary proposition is true iff its possible state of affairs (i.e., its 'sense'; 'Sinn') obtains.

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An elementary proposition is false if there is no corresponding complex.

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Wittgenstein clearly states this Correspondence Theory of Truth at (4.25): "If an elementary proposition is true, the state of affairs exists; if an elementary proposition is false, the state of affairs does not exist".

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An elementary proposition in Wittgenstein's sense is a concatenation of simple proper names that refer to simple objects.

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Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Since the utility of the doctrines lay in their application, he summarized them in stoicheia, or "elementary propositions," to be memorized.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Protocol sentences, originally conceived along the lines of an interpretation developed in the Vienna Circle of Wittgenstein's elementary propositions, were identified as those sentences that make statements about the data of direct experience.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Molecular propositions are concatenations of elementary propositions.

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Propositions are seen as truth-functions of elementary propositions (4.221, 5, 5.3), and elementary propositions as functions of names (4.22, 4.24).

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Wittgenstein (1921, 4.26) argued that only elementary propositions describe states of affairs.

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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing logical atomism or the foundations of logic, use the term "elementary proposition" to refer to a basic statement that cannot be broken down further. This ensures clarity and consistency within the philosophical or mathematical context.

Common error

Avoid using "elementary proposition" to describe compound statements that can be further analyzed. Reserve this term for the most basic, irreducible units of logical thought.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "elementary proposition" functions primarily as a noun phrase, designating a specific type of statement within logic and philosophy. According to Ludwig AI, it refers to a basic statement that can be either true or false.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

60%

Encyclopedias

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "elementary proposition" is a noun phrase referring to a fundamental statement in logic and philosophy. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, primarily within formal academic contexts. The phrase is common in Science and Encyclopedia sources, signaling a strong association with theoretical discussions. To enhance clarity in writing, it's essential to reserve "elementary proposition" for irreducible statements and avoid using it for complex propositions. Related phrases like "atomic statement" can provide alternatives, while understanding its function in Wittgenstein's philosophy offers deeper context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

atomic statement

Replaces "proposition" with "statement", emphasizing the declarative nature; "atomic" suggests indivisibility.

basic assertion

Uses "assertion" to focus on the act of declaring something to be true, simplifying the phrasing.

fundamental statement

Emphasizes the foundational role of the proposition, swapping "elementary" for "fundamental".

indivisible proposition

Highlights the characteristic of being irreducible, replacing "elementary" with "indivisible".

simple declarative sentence

Specifies the sentence type and its straightforward nature, offering a more descriptive alternative.

atomic fact

Shifts focus from the proposition to the underlying reality it represents, useful in philosophical contexts.

prime statement

Conveys the idea of being original or first, similar to "elementary" in meaning.

underlying proposition

Focuses on the role as a foundation for more complex structures.

basic building block of logic

Emphasizes its role as a foundational element in logical constructions.

irreducible statement

Highlights the indivisible nature of the statement, suggesting that it cannot be simplified further.

FAQs

What is an elementary proposition?

An "elementary proposition" is a basic statement that cannot be broken down into simpler statements. It is a fundamental concept in logic and philosophy, particularly in logical atomism.

How does an elementary proposition relate to molecular propositions?

Molecular propositions are formed by combining "elementary propositions" using logical connectives such as AND, OR, and NOT. Elementary propositions are the building blocks, while molecular propositions are the structures built from them.

Can I use the term "simple statement" instead of "elementary proposition"?

Yes, in some contexts, "simple statement" can be used as a substitute for "elementary proposition", especially when aiming for broader audience understanding. However, be mindful of the specific nuances implied in philosophical or logical discussions.

What is the significance of elementary propositions in Wittgenstein's philosophy?

In Wittgenstein's Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus, "elementary propositions" play a crucial role in depicting states of affairs. They are the basic units of meaning and represent the simplest possible facts.