Wittgenstein

Ludwig Wittgenstein (1889-1951) is considered by most philosophers - even those who do not share his views - to be the most influential philosopher of the 20th century. His contributions to the philosophy of language, mind, meaning and psychology - as well as to logic, mathematics and epistemology - permanently altered the philosophical landscape, and his Tractatus Logico Philosophicus and Philosophical Investigations continue to be studied in philosophy departments around in the world. In this superb introduction and overview of Wittgensteins life and work, William Child discusses:

• Wittgensteins early work, Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus, including his account of language and thought
• Wittgensteins subsequent rejection of some of the central doctrines of the Tractatus
• Wittgensteins later philosophy
• intentionality and rule-following
• philosophy of mind and psychology in Philosophical Investigations
• knowledge and certainty, and Wittgensteins final work
• philosophy of religion
• the legacy and influence of Wittgensteins ideas in philosophy, and beyond.

Including a chronology, glossary, and helpful conclusions to each chapter, Wittgenstein is essential reading for anyone coming to Wittgensteins philosophy for the first time.