Single Idea 6113

[catalogued under 7. Existence / C. Structure of Existence / 6. Fundamentals / d. Logical atoms]

Full Idea

The way to mean a fact is to assert it; the way to mean a simple is to name it.

Clarification

'Simples' are his basic 'logical atoms' (see Idea 6114)

Gist of Idea

To mean facts we assert them; to mean simples we name them

Source

Bertrand Russell (Logical Atomism [1924], p.156)

Book Reference

Russell,Bertrand: 'Russell's Logical Atomism', ed/tr. Pears,David [Fontana 1972], p.156


A Reaction

Thus logical atomism is a linguistic programme, of reducing our language to a foundation of pure names. The recent thought of McDowell and others is aimed at undermining any possibility of a 'simple' in perception. The myth of 'The Given'.