Single Idea 23470

[catalogued under 10. Modality / E. Possible worlds / 1. Possible Worlds / a. Possible worlds]

Full Idea

Each thing is, as it were, in a space of possible states of affairs. This space I can imagine as empty, but not of the thing without the space.

Gist of Idea

Each thing is in a space of possible facts

Source

Ludwig Wittgenstein (Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus [1921], 2.013)

Book Reference

Wittgenstein,Ludwig: 'Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus (Pears)', ed/tr. Pears,D. /McGuinness,B. [RKP 1961], p.6


A Reaction

A clear echo of Kant on natural space. LW calls it 'logical space' (1.13). I take this to be exactly the concept of the space of possibilities which contains the modern notion of possible worlds.

Related Idea

Idea 5531 Space is an a priori necessary basic intuition, as we cannot imagine its absence [Kant]