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Full Idea
Atomic fact [Sachverhalt] is what corresponds to an elementary proposition [Elementarsatz] if it is true.
Gist of Idea
Atomic facts correspond to true elementary propositions
Source
Ludwig Wittgenstein (Letters to Russell [1919], CL 125)
Book Ref
Morris,Michael: 'Guidebook to Wittgenstein's Tractatus' [Routledge 2008], p.32
A Reaction
This is perhaps the key to the Tractatus, because it is the binding point between world and language. A true realist would allow for atomic facts that may go beyond even possible propositions.
| 7085 | The main problem of philosophy is what can and cannot be thought and expressed [Wittgenstein, by Grayling] |
| 23463 | Atomic facts correspond to true elementary propositions [Wittgenstein] |
| 23490 | A thought is mental constituents that relate to reality as words do [Wittgenstein] |