Wittgenstein on negation, bipolarity, and symmetry

In the article 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; (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.