Single Idea 22314

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

Full Idea

On white paper, the fact that a point is black corresponds to a positive fact; to the fact that a point is white (not black), a negative fact.

Gist of Idea

On white paper a black spot is a positive fact and a white spot a negative fact

Source

Ludwig Wittgenstein (Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus [1921], 4.063), quoted by Michael Potter - The Rise of Analytic Philosophy 1879-1930 08 'Judg'

Book Reference

Potter,Michael: 'The Rise of Anaytic Philosophy 1879-1930' [Routledge 2020], p.55


A Reaction

Elsewhere Wittgenstein is ambiguous as to whether he believes in negative facts [qv].