Wittgenstein and the End of Philosophy: Neither Theory Nor Therapy

What is the true worth of Wittgenstein's contribution to philosophy? Answers to this question are strongly divided. However, most assessments rest on certain popular misreadings of his purpose. This book challenges both "theoretical" and "therapeutic" interpretations. In their place, it seeks to establish that, from beginning to end, Wittgenstein regarded clarification as the true end of philosophy. It argues that, properly understood, his approach exemplifies rather than betrays critical philosophy and provides a viable alternative to other contemporary offerings.

Table of Contents:
Acknowledgements Abbreviations Introduction A Focus on Logic Just the Facts? Seeking Clarity Throughout Without Explanation Before Realism and Idealism Description Alone Notes References Index

About the Author :
DANIEL D. HUTTO is Professor of Philosophical Psychology and Head of Philosophy at the University of Hertfordshire, UK. He has published in several leading journals including: The Monist; Dialectica; The Proceedings of the Aristotelian Society; and Philosophy and Phenomenological Research. He is the co-editor of Current Issues in Idealism (1996) and the author of Presence of Mind (1999) and Beyond Physicalism (2000).

Review :
'...one of the more important contributions to Wittgenstein studies in recent years...serves as a helpful corrective to various current readings of his work.' -John Koethe, Mind 'Hutto effects a much-needed repositioning of theory and therapy. His sensitive and fluent reading allows him to pick out the real implications of Wittgenstein's philosophy from its misleading look-alikes.' - Daniele Moyal-Sharrock, University of East Anglia, UK 'Professor Hutto's new book on Wittgenstein is a rare combination of philosophical sweep and scholarly detail. In cogently developing his argument, Hutto places Wittgenstein in a larger historical context that sheds light on the unique significance of this way of looking at the end of philosophy.' - Barry Curtis, Professor of Philosophy, University of Hawaii at Hilo 'Those who have decided that nothing new can be said about the degree of continuity between Wittgenstein's earliest and his latest writings should read this book. It will change their minds. Daniel Hutto has developed an original and compelling interpretation that defends the continuity thesis. This study is remarkable for its mastery of the existing literature and its acuity in making sharp distinctions. I recommend it strongly.' - Avrum Stroll, University of California, USA 'Professor Hutto tackles a problem that is central not just to the understanding of Wittgenstein but also to the self-understanding of our subject...He brings the issue to life through his extensive knowledge not just of Wittgenstein's work, but also of other reference-points ranging from transcendental idealism and Hegel's conception of logic to contemporary debates about the limits of conceptual anaylsis.' - Hans-Johann Glock, University of Reading, UK '...Hutto's clear and straightforward style make it remarkably accessible, even to non-specialists.' - Kevin A. Aho, The European Legacy