We must do away with all explanation, and description alone must take it's place

We must do away with all explanation, and description alone must take it's place

Ludwig Wittgenstein, a renowned philosopher of the 20th century, is often associated with the idea of doing away with all explanation and relying solely on description. This concept is central to his philosophy, particularly in his later work, where he emphasizes the importance of language and its limitations in conveying meaning.

Wittgenstein believed that language is inherently limited in its ability to accurately represent reality. He argued that explanations are often misleading and can lead to misunderstandings, as they rely on subjective interpretations and assumptions. Instead, he proposed that we should focus on describing things as they are, without trying to explain or interpret them.

In his famous work "Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus," Wittgenstein explores the nature of language and its relationship to reality. He famously stated, "Whereof one cannot speak, thereof one must be silent," suggesting that there are limits to what can be expressed through language. He believed that language is a tool for describing the world, but it cannot capture the full complexity of reality.

According to Wittgenstein, description is a more accurate and reliable way of communicating than explanation. By focusing on describing things as they appear to us, we can avoid the pitfalls of interpretation and subjective bias. Description allows us to present facts and observations without imposing our own beliefs or assumptions onto them.

Furthermore, Wittgenstein believed that language is a social construct, shaped by our shared experiences and cultural norms. By emphasizing description over explanation, he sought to promote a more objective and precise form of communication that is based on observable facts rather than personal opinions.