Wittgenstein: An Introduction

Joachim Schulte's introduction provides a distinctive and masterful account of the full range of Wittgenstein's thought. It is concise but not compressed, substantive but not overloaded with developmental or technical detail, informed by the latest scholarship but not pedantic. Beginners will find it accessible and seasoned students of Wittgenstein will appreciate it for the illuminating overview it provides.

Table of Contents:
Author's Preface Translators' Preface 1. Introduction Life Personality Works 2. Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus How To Read the Tractatus Philosophy World Signs Analysis and Picture Saying and Showing-Logic Limits 3. Connecting Links The Ethical The Magical Overview Grammar Foundations and Contradictions The Hardness of the Logical Must 4. Language Games Investigations Games Forms of Life Family Resemblances Rules Paradigms Use 5. Criteria Verification and Criteria Persons Pain Errors Privacy Aspects 6. Certainty Knowledge World Picture Bibliography Index

About the Author :
In the forefront of German-speaking Wittgenstein experts, Joachim Schulte is one of the editors of the German edition of Wittgenstein's works. He is the author of Erlebnis und Ausdruck: Wittgensteins Philosophie der Psychologie; the editor of Vortrag uber Ethik und kleine Schriften, of Waismann's Wille und Motiv, and of Waismann's Logik, Sprache, Philosophie; and is the translator of Bernard William's Problems of the Self (Probleme des Selbst).

Review :
"The author has a very good - even exceptional knowledge of the primary Wittgenstein material, both published and unpublished. He writes clearly and makes his points succinctly." - Peter Winch, University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign "This is a succinct, incisive account of Wittgenstein's life and of his unique personality, coupled with a straightforward and instructive exegesis and interpretation of the Tractatus and of Wittgenstein's later works. A wonderful piece, delightful to read, and quite informative." - George R. Lucas, Jr., National Endowment for the Humanities "It is thorough; it is accurate; it is well written. Wittgenstein is a genius of the twentieth century and too many writers (since they themselves are not geniuses) emphasize only one side of Wittgenstein and ignore others. This book does not do that." - Stephen Satris, Clemson University "It offers a thorough and sympathetic account of Wittgenstein's development, philosophical insights, and character. It shows a deep understanding of Wittgenstein. It is literate, scholarly without being pedantic, and it utilizes texts and documents, e.g., letters, that are often ignored in Wittgenstein exegesis. The book does not limit itself to just the best known of Wittgenstein's works, i.e., Tractatus and Philosophical Investigations, but puts together everything presently available." - Arnulf Zweig, University of Oregon