Wittgenstein on Negation, Bipolarity, and Symmetry

In the chapter three main topics, which are dealt with in Wittgenstein’s pre-Tractatus writings and which are closely connected with one another, are examined in the light of the opposition between symmetrical and asymmetrical views of negation: (1) the nature of the truth-makers of negative propositions; (2) whether negative facts can act as truth-bearers; and (3) symmetry and asymmetry concerning truth and falsehood. On the whole, Wittgenstein seems to be driven by a strong “symmetricalist” intuition, which provides the dominant themes of his reflections. Yet, important “asymmetricalist” counterthemes are also present and can account for many uncertainties and oscillations on Wittgenstein’s part.