Yes, gib’s perfectly correct. It does seem odd to say that what is not the case is as much a part of the world as what is; nevertheless, this is both true and tacitly supposed in our everyday thinking. It is not the case that solphadine hydrochloride cures cancer, or that Abraham Lincoln plotted against the Twin Towers. More importantly, courts of law turn on the very facts surrounding what is and is not the case - that Smith did not shoot Jones, that Ted Bundy did not visit his aunt on the night of a particular murder, that Jack the Ripper did murder Evelyn Marshall . . .
If we wish to criticize Wittgenstein (as we might well do without absurdity) we have at least to understand where he’s coming from, and what he hoped to achieve.
What is, and what is not, the case describes the world precisely on anybody’s view (after all, what’s left out?). There’s no contradiction involved at all. It is the case that this is a website and not the case that it is the tooth fairy.
My order came in today! I bought “Wittgenstein: a very short introduction”. This series of books is excellent for anyone who wants a clear and unambiguous understanding of almost any philosopher - a must read before delving into the more convoluted and perplexing works of some.
Yes, I know I’m reading someone’s interpretation of Wittgenstein, but I figure that’s better than having no interpretation. In the end, it really helps to at least understand what the philosopher is aiming for - it gives one a sense of where he’s going as you read along.
I’ll read this book, and then the Tractatus… and then maybe post back here if I have anything brilliantly insightful to add.