When Picture and Application Clash: The Paradox of Observation

In his Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus, Wittgenstein distinguished among three linguistic possibilities: that which can be verbalized; that which can be shown; and that which must remain silent. By contrast, in the Philosophical Investigations he examined clashing states of consciousness which cannot be decisively categorized as enabling verbalization. Such mental contents cause tension which challenges attempts to understand and formulate it in everyday language being part of the "struggle against the bewitchment of our understanding by the resources of our language"(Wittgenstein 2009, &109).
Wittgenstein indicates a clash between picture and use; image and sense-impression; unity of body/soul and linguistic practices based on their separation. The discussion will trace the formulations of these tensions and Wittgenstein’s suggestions for resolving them so as to enable mental content that is compatible with the external criteria of everyday language.