Wittgenstein: A Guide for the Perplexed: (Guides for the Perplexed)

Continuum's Guides for the Perplexed are clear, concise and accessible introductions to thinkers, writers and subjects that students and readers can find especially challenging.  Concentrating specifically on what it is that makes the subject difficult to fathom, these books explain and explore key themes and ideas, guiding the reader towards a thorough understanding of demanding material. Ludwig Wittgenstein is one of the most influential twentieth century philosophers with his ideas occupying a central place in the history and study of modern philosophy. Students will inevitably encounter his major contributions to the philosophies of language, mind, logic and mathematics.  However, there is no escaping the extent of the challenge posed by Wittgenstein whose complex ideas are often enigmatically expressed. Wittgenstein: A Guide for the Perplexed is an authoritative, comprehensive and lucid commentary on the philosophy of this eminent modern thinker.  It offers sound guidance to reading Wittgenstein and a valuable methodology for interpreting his works.  The illuminating text covers the entirety of Wittgenstein's thought, examining the relationship between the early, middle and late periods of his philosophy.  Detailed attention is paid to Wittgenstein's great works the Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus and Philosophical Investigations, as well as to other published writings.  Valuably, the guide also covers ground not commonly explored in studies of Wittgenstein, including his contributions to aesthetics and philosophy of religion.  This is the most thorough and fully engaged account of Wittgenstein available - an invaluable resource for students and anyone interested in philosophy and modern intellectual history.

Table of Contents:
Chapter 1:  Introduction Chapter 2:  Charting the Bounds of Sense Chapter 3:  Metaphysics of the Tractatus Chapter 4:  The Middle Period Chapter 5:  Aims and Methods of Philosophical Therapy Chapter 6:  Philosophy of Language and Mathematics Chapter 7:  Philosophy of Mind Chapter 8:  Epistemology, Religion and Aesthetics Chapter 9:  Conclusion

About the Author :
Mark Addis is a Reader in Philosophy at the University of Central England in Birmingham, UK.  He is the co-editor of Wittgenstein and Philosophy of Religion (2001) and author of Wittgenstein: Making Sense of Other Minds (1999).

Review :
'I have read the manuscript with increasing admiration. I think this a very successful attempt to provide a concise introduction to Wittgenstein's philosophy that is at once accessible and thorough. The book is lucidly written, and provides a clear overview of Wittgenstein's views and their relevance, without, however, shying away from the many difficult issues involved in Wittgenstein's thought. I especially liked the emphasis on the complex development of Wittgenstein's thought and the attention that is given to questions regarding Wittgenstein's methodology. In these two respects the book is unique among the many introductions that are available. The book is critical of Wittgenstein's views where it should be, yet succeeds in making a strong case why he remains such an important and fascinating figure in philosophy. For an audience with some background in philosophy I think this is an excellent work.' Professor Martin Stokhof, Department of Philosophy, University of Amsterdam "An authoritative introduction to all aspects of Wittgenstein's philosophy." - Professor Robert Arrington, Department of Philosophy, Georgia State University "An excellent overview of all facets of Wittgenstein's work. Highly recommended." - Brian Bix, Frederick W. Thomas Professor of Law and Philosophy, University of Minnesota "This is a clear, balanced, and very recommendable book that gives a good idea of the complexity of Wittgenstein's philosophy and the many questions it raises. It is useful not only as an introduction for newcomers to Wittgenstein, but also for people who want to compare Wittgenstein's reflections on philosophical issues with alternative non-analytical philosophical views, such as, for example, the notions of proposition and judgment as found in Hegel. The introduction to Wittgenstein's middle and later philosophy is lucid, and Addis' discussions, especially in Chapter 8, allow the possibility of a thorough interaction of his philosophy not only with Continental philosophy, but also with intercultural philosophy." -Jesper Garsdal, Philosophy in Review