Single Idea 10968

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

Full Idea

Russell preceded Wittgenstein in deciding that the reduction of all propositions to atomic propositions could not be achieved. The problem cases were negative propositions, general propositions, and belief propositions.

Gist of Idea

Russell gave up logical atomism because of negative, general and belief propositions

Source

report of Bertrand Russell (Logical Atomism [1924]) by Stephen Read - Thinking About Logic Ch.1

Book Reference

Read,Stephen: 'Thinking About Logic' [OUP 1995], p.17


A Reaction

'Reduction' presumably means expressing their form in symbolic logic. Since atomic propositions are ultimately expressed in natural language, the chances of a perfect fit with the world were nil.