Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus · Chapter
5.512 explained
Wittgenstein argues that the negation sign '~' does not itself perform the act of denial; rather, what denies is the common logical form shared by all expressions that negate a proposition.
What happens
Wittgenstein argues that the negation sign '~' does not itself perform the act of denial; rather, what denies is the common logical form shared by all expressions that negate a proposition. This common pattern mirrors denial.
Themes in this chapter
Logical Atomism
Negation is analyzed in terms of the common logical form shared by all denying propositions.
Nonsense and Meaning
The sign '~' does not directly connect to reality; meaning arises from the shared logical pattern.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Wittgenstein
Author of the Tractatus, presenting the logical analysis of negation.
Key passages
““ ~ p ” is true if “ p ” is false. Therefore in the true proposition “ ~ p ” “ p ” is a false proposition.”
The negation of a proposition is true exactly when the original proposition is false, so within a true negation the negated proposition is false.
Clarifies the truth-functional definition of negation.
“That which denies in “ ~ p ” is however not “ ~ ”, but that which all signs of this notation, which deny p , have in common.”
The act of denial is not performed by the specific symbol '~' but by the shared logical structure of all expressions that negate p.
Highlights that negation is a pattern, not a simple sign.