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Clack provides a much-needed primer in Wittgenstein's thought as it relates to religious belief. This text provides a guide to the essentials of Wittgenstein's philosophy and particularly his philosophy of religion. Students are introduced to the early and later work, and the different accounts of language and meaning they offer. The book provides an overview of Wittgenstein's writing on religion, a guide round the maze of his thinking on the subject and an assessment of his influence in contemporary debates. At a time when there continues to be enormous interest in all aspects of Wittgenstein's philosophy, and when his name is frequently cited in connection with radical developments in theology, this book comes as a timely analysis of the religious thinking of one of the twentieth century's most important and enigmatic intellectual figures. ... Read more

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Simply Amazing!
Years from now this book will be discussed in the same sentences as War and Peace, The Last Temptation of Christ, and the New Testament.

Important book on Wittgenstein and religion.
Brian Clack is a teacher at St Clare's College in Oxford inEngland. His book is important for anyone who wants to learn more about Wittgenstein and religion, and understand anti-realism in the philosophy of religion.

Brian Clack obviously has a pretty good grasp on Wittgenstein. He starts his book with giving an introdcution to Wittgenstein's philosophy in general. Then he continues with touching issues that more explicitly relate to religion and the philosophy of religion. He explains Wittenstein's ideas in Culture and Value and Remarks on Frazer's Golden Bough. Thess texts by Wittgenstein himself may be somewhat difficult to understand, but Clack introduces the material and may show you how this relates to other parts of Wittgenstein's philosophy. The book also covers such topics as Wittgensteinian views on miracles and prayer, immortality and Wittgenstein's relation to radical theologians like Don Cupitt.

I give the book four stars because Brian Clack has dared to write a clear and simple philosophical text, while still being able to communicate the important points in Wittgensteinian philosophy of religion. This is a very well-written book. The reason why I don't give it five, is that I think it should have contained a little more critical discussion. Some of the points Clack make should have been challenged a little or at least discussed more critically, for instance that religious language is not descriptive, that certain religious propositions are sbsurd or irrational if interpretated as descriptions of potential facts and Clack's general non-cognitivist attitude. It would have been interesting if Clack had mentioned Alston, Plantinga and Swinburne and some classical Christian thinkers a bit more and been willing to defend his own views.

However, this is an introduction and Clack has chosen an approach and in a sense I respect that. The most important thing about this book is that it is to-the-point, and raises a lot of questions. It is an excellent starting point for further thinking, and grosso modo Clack has written a very interesting book. ... Read more

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Wittgenstein's philosophical achievement lies in the development of a new philosophical method rather than in the elaboration of a particular system. His method involves an approach to the examination of philosophical problems, a method which Paul Johnston applies in this book to the central problems of moral philosophy - questions such as whether there can be truth in ethics, or what objectivity might mean in this context. The text also attempts to shed new light both on Wittgenstein's philosophy of morals and on his entire oeuvre. Johnston argues for a reassessment of contemporary moral philosophy, showing that the conclusions generated by the application of Wittgenstein's method to moral philosophy differ radically from those that dominate modern discussions of ethics. ... Read more

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Cora Diamond has played a leading role in the reception and elaboration of Wittgenstein's philosophy. Diamond's contribution to Wittgenstein scholarship is distinguished by her striking and widely discussed suggestions about continuity between Wittgenstein's early and later writings. Her work in ethics, in important respects shaped by her study of Wittgenstein, has been similarly influential. The essays in this volume, by a number of distinguished philosophers, including Stanley Cavell, James Conant, John McDowell, Hilary Putnam, and Martha Nussbaum, explore groundbreaking interpretations of Wittgenstein’s philosophy and attempt to demonstrate its significance for ethics, using Diamond's writings on these topics as a springboard and inspiration.

The book begins with essays that address Diamond's work on Wittgenstein, defending and further developing her work both on the Tractatus and on Wittgenstein's later thought. Additional essays take up Diamond's writings on moral philosophy, examining her concept of "the difficulty of reality," her view that literature as such presents us with rational moral instruction, and her work on animals and ethics.

Contributors:
Stanley Cavell, James Conant, Alice Crary, David Finkelstein, Juliet Floyd, Michael Kremer, Sabrina Lovibond, John McDowell, Stephen Mulhall, Martha Nussbaum, and Hilary Putnam ... Read more

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This fourth and final volume of the monumental commentary on Wittgenstein's Philosophical Investigations covers pp 428-693 of the book. Like the previous volumes, it consists of philosophical essays and exegesis. ... Read more

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This book guides the reader through perhaps the single most important philosophical work of the twentieth century: Wittgenstein's Philosophical Investigations. Wilson presents this work in a radically new light, using short sections to clarify the main arguments, including the famous Private Language Argument. Wilson's clear and accessible writing writing brings a new clarity to a reputedly difficult work and demonstrates the continuing importance of Wittgenstein's ideas to contemporary debates in cognitive linguistics and psychology. ... Read more

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Taking readers through key themes in Wittgenstein's thought, this is an essential introduction to one of the most important thinkers in 20th Century Philosophy. Ludwig Wittgenstein was arguably the most important and influential philosopher of the twentieth century. Covering all the key concepts of his work, Starting with Wittgenstein provides an accessible introduction to the ideas of this hugely significant thinker. Thematically structured, the book leads the reader through a thorough overview of the development of Wittgenstein's thought, resulting in a more comprehensive understanding of the roots of his philosophical concerns. Offering coverage of the full range of Wittgenstein's earlier and later work, the book emphasizes the relationship between his treatment of language and his treatment of the other major questions in philosophy. Crucially the book introduces the major thinkers whose work proved influential in the development of Wittgenstein's thought, including Frege, Russell and Schopenhauer. This is the ideal introduction for anyone coming to the work of this challenging thinker for the first time. "Continuum's Starting with..." series offers clear, concise and accessible introductions to the key thinkers in philosophy.The books explore and illuminate the roots of each philosopher's work and ideas, leading readers to a thorough understanding of the key influences and philosophical foundations from which his or her thought developed. Ideal for first-year students starting out in philosophy, the series will serve as the ideal companion to study of this fascinating subject. ... Read more

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In over 90 entries, this lucid and accessible dictionary explains technical terms that Wittgenstein introduced into the philosophical debate or transformed substantially, and also topics that play a central role in his work. It delineates Wittgenstein's line of argument, its strength and problems, and sheds light on fundamental exegetical controversies. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Best book on W out there
Excellent work. Along with D.F. Pears's "The False Mirror", this "dictionary" is as in-depth and wide-ranging as we could hope. I tested it by looking up "logical objects", a rather minor topic from the Tractatus but one on which Wittgenstein made definitive criticisms of Frege and Russell. The entry was thorough and clear, and I used it countless times while studying the Tractatus and PI. An excellent work for those already familiar with Wittgenstein, and for those wrestling with his ideas for the first time alike.

A useful dictionary
Hans-Johann Glock har written a useful dictionary. For everyone writing about Wittgenstein, this volume is helpful. If one wonder whether one's interpretation of LW is reasonable or not and want to check with aprogressive scholar, the book is brilliant. Also, the dictionary is sothorough that it might teach you a lot about Wittgenstein. If you havequestions concerning Wittgenstein's views on the autonomy of language,grammar, religion, rule-following, private language etc, you should getthis book. ... Read more

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What can systematic philosophy contribute to come from conflict between cultures to a substantial dialogue? This question was the general theme of the twenty-ninth international symposium of the Austrian Ludwig Wittgenstein Society in Kirchberg (Austria). Worldwide leading philosophers accepted the invitation to come to the conference, whose results are published in this volume, edited by Christian Kanzian and Edmund Runggaldier. The sections are dedicated to the philosophy of Wittgenstein, logics and philosophy of language, decision and action theory, ethical aspects of the intercultural dialogue, intercultural dialogue, and last but not least to social ontology. ... Read more

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This is a collection of the key articles written by renowned Wittgenstein scholar, G.P. Baker, on Wittgenstein’s later philosophy, published posthumously.

• Following Baker’s death in 2002, the volume has been edited by collaborator and partner, Katherine Morris.
  
• Contains articles previously only available in other languages, and one previously unpublished paper.
  
• Completely distinct from the widely-known work Baker did with P.M.S. Hacker in the Analytical Commentary on the Philosophical Investigations (Blackwell Publishing, 1980-1996).

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Naturalism is the reigning creed in analytic philosophy. Naturalists claim that natural science provides a complete account of all forms of existence. According to the naturalistic credo there are no aspects of human existence which transcend methods and explanations of science. Our concepts of the self, the mind, subjectivity, human freedom, or responsibility is to be defined in terms of established sciences. The aim of the present volume is to draw the balance of naturalism’s success so far. Unlike other volumes it does not contain a collection of papers which unanimously reject naturalism. Naturalists and anti-naturalists alike unfold their positions discussing the success or failure of naturalistic approaches. "How successful is naturalism?" shows where the lines of agreement and disagreement between naturalists and their critics are to be located in contemporary philosophical discussion. ... Read more

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Synopsis
Naturalism is the reigning creed in analytic philosophy. Naturalists claim that natural science provides a complete account of all forms of existence. According to the naturalistic credo there are no aspects of human existence which transcend methods and explanations of science. Our concepts of the self, the mind, subjectivity, human freedom or responsibility is to be defined in terms of established sciences. The aim of the present volume is to draw the balance of naturalism's success so far. Unlike other volumes it does not contain a collection of papers which unanimously reject naturalism. Naturalists and anti-naturalists alike unfold their positions discussing success, limits and failure of naturalistic approaches. "How successful is naturalism?" shows where the lines of agreement and disagreement between naturalists and their critics are to be found in contemporary philosophical discussion.

This volume is a valuable asset for scholars interested in naturalism. Due to clear style and comprehensible argumentation it is not too difficult to read for non-experts and undergraduates students in philosophy as well.

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'Gives an extraordinarily intimate insight into what Wittgenstein was like as a human being...These notes...capture Wittgenstein's outlook on morality and religion, and reveal some of his personal problems' - Alice Ambrose Lazerowitz, Smith College. ... Read more

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Readable and entertaining memior
Oets Kolk Bouwsma was a Dutch-American philosopher who met Wittgenstein during his visit to the U.S. in 1949. Norman Malcolm introduced the two philosophers and during the following months the two men had numerous philosophical discussions while on casual walks and at Malcolm's home. At Cornell University, these discussions were either formal or informal, revealing, to a large extent, intensity of thought, and immediacy and pending danger that is so characteristic of Wittgenstein's personality. These discussions influenced Bouwsma to a great degree in terms of his work habits and approach to philosophy in general.

Although short in length, these discussions reveal a mature Wittgenstein, a man at the end of his life that had not lost any of his concentration nor passion for life. Wittgenstein discusses many topics from ethics, language, Dostoevsky, Frege, Russell, Descartes, Kierkegaard, religious truth, faith, and Plato. Bouwsma and Wittgenstein would commence on one of their walks and Wittgenstein would ask Bouwsma to choose a topic for discussion, and without anytime for reflection, Wittgenstein would charge directly to the heart of the subject, stopping in mid-step to make a relevant point, gesticulating in the air while observing his audience of one to ensure his student was comprehending his words. Reading these short "notes" one can imagine and almost feel the power and concentration of the discussions.

Despite being very sick, Wittgenstein continued to be almost fanatical about cleanliness, vigorously scrubbing himself for a good hour on a daily basis. Miss Anscombe, one of the philosopher's literary executors, told Bouwsma that Wittgenstein was known back in the Cambridge days to heat several buckets of water for his daily baths. She also said that during the war, he once returned the money Cambridge paid him for his lectures: Wittgenstein said, "The lectures were no good, not worth the money". But as Anscombe said, "They were, of course, better than any others given." It is this kind of little story that makes biography a worthwhile reading experience, illustrating a lot about the character of the man in just a few words.

Years later, Bouswma typed these "notes" and decided to send them to Wittgenstein's nephew in Vienna, Thomas Stonborough. After reading them he immediately wrote a letter to Bouswma stating that (it) was "The best thing written on him I know of."

One of the things that intrigued Thomas Stonborough was why Wittgenstein had such an interest in Bouswma, as this was unusual for the philosopher to let an acquaintance into his life. All the philosopher could come up with was his honesty and love of philosophy. This honesty and irrefutable love of philosophy certainly comes through in the writing. A memoir worth reading and owning.


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Originally published 1972.

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Philosophical interest in the writings of Ludwig Wittgenstein is developing at a phenomenal rate. Every year sees a growing number of works devoted to matters pertaining to exegesis or application of Wittgenstein's ideas. Wittgenstein's influence is thus radiating throughout every branch and community of philosophical research.
Printed here are over one hundred of the most important and interesting papers dealing with Wittgenstein's writings that have been published, together with a comprehensive bibliography of Wittgenstein's work and the vast corpus of secondary sources currently available. The primary aim here has been to reprint those articles which have played a predominant role in the interpretation of Wittgenstein's thought and which have themselves stimulated a considerable amount of philosophical discussion or interest in Wittgenstein's work. This collection provides a valuable indication of the manner in which Wittgenstein's work was initially received and the direction in which Wittgenstein's criticism and philosophy has consequently evolved.
The work of several international figures is presented here for the first time in English. Finally, the collection contains an exhaustive bibliography of the major articles and books that have been so far published on Wittgenstein.
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