The complete analysis of a proposition reveals its ultimate...

The complete analysis of a proposition reveals its ultimate logical form (exhibiting it as a truth-function of elementary propositions); clarificatory analysis merely removes a misunderstanding, and does not require full elucidation of the logical syntax. It is clarificatory analysis that Wittgenstein has in mind in talking of the ‘correct method’ in philosophy (cf. 6.53), Phillips argues, and which avoids the paradox of analysis.

Of course, on Wittgenstein’s early view, the possibility of complete analysis underpins clarificatory analysis. But Phillips makes the further point that, even if it were possible, the complete analysis of a proposition can only in fact be undertaken after clarificatory analysis, clearing away confusions that may surround the use of the proposition. And the importance of clarificatory analysis is reinforced when we consider the transition to Wittgenstein’s later philosophy. For what…