Single Idea 22313

[catalogued under 7. Existence / D. Theories of Reality / 8. Facts / d. Negative facts]

Full Idea

The existence of atomic facts we also call a positive fact, their non-existence a negative fact. b...The existence and non-existence of atomic facts is the reality. ...[2.063] the total reality is the world.

Gist of Idea

The existence of atomic facts is a positive fact, their non-existence a negative fact

Source

Ludwig Wittgenstein (Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus [1921], 2.06), quoted by Michael Potter - The Rise of Analytic Philosophy 1879-1930 47 'Mole'

Book Reference

Potter,Michael: 'The Rise of Anaytic Philosophy 1879-1930' [Routledge 2020], p.322


A Reaction

Potter observes that he denies negative facts in a1919 letter to Russell, and at 1.11, but then affirms them at 2.06.