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Single Idea 23463

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

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.