Wittgenstein on Internal and External Relations: Tracing All the Connections

Table of Contents:
Preface and acknowledgements List of abbreviations Part I: Introduction 1. Wittgenstein's method of analysis: “I'll teach you differences.” 2. Why relations matter 3. What is wrong with the internal/external distinction Part II. Prelude 4. Hegelianism and British idealism 5. Russell and Moore Part III. Wittgenstein's early writings 6. Definitions of the internal/external distinction in the early writings 7. The Doctrine of External Relations 8. The nature of simple objects 9. The picture theory Part IV. Wittgenstein's later writings 10. Definitions of the internal/external distinction in the later writings 11. Intentionality 12. Reason, motive, and cause 13. Rules and their applications 14. Mathematics 15. Colors 16. The standard meter 17. Aspect-seeing and philosophy of psychology 18. Aesthetics and art Part V. Conclusion 19. Internal relations as imperatives 20. The maxim of no reflexive uses of internal relations Bibliography Index

About the Author :
Jakub Mácha is Associate Professor in the Department of Philosophy at Masaryk University, Czech Republic

Review :
Taking its lead from the difference between internal and external relations, it offers both a historical account and a systematic discussion of core issues in the interpretation of Wittgenstein as well as in contemporary philosophical debates. Readers who are interested in a new way of looking at Wittgenstein must look at this book. -- Peter Baumann, Professor of Philosophy, Swarthmore College, USA By 'tracing all the connections', Macha presents us with an overview, in the style of Wittgenstein himself, of the uses of internal and external relations in Wittgenstein's work. I learned a lot by reading it. -- James C. Klagge, Professor of Philosophy, Virginia Tech, USA Ambitious and closely argued, scholarly, reasonable and detailed, this book provides a compelling interpretation of the unity of Wittgenstein's philosophy from the pre-tractarian texts to the Philosophical Investigations. Macha's approach makes real progress in shedding light on some intricate exegetical problems related to Wittgenstein's thought. It combines the best of the Continental and the Analytical traditions: an impressive philosophical and historical mastery of the Idealist background shared by Moore, Russell and Wittgenstein, with a densely argued appreciation and elucidation of details. The discussion of difficult pieces of reasoning such as Bradley's arguments against external and internal relations is especially brilliant. Jakub Macha gives fresh impetus to a debate that has permeated and shaped much of the recent Wittgenstein's scholarship. Anyone who is interested in Wittgenstein will enjoy the book. -- Modesto M. Gomez-Alonso, Senior Lecturer in Philosophy, Pontifical University of Salamanca, Spain Following Wittgenstein, Macha calls his book an album. The book is, however, actually a very systematic account of a subject that deserves all the attention it can receive. Macha has prepared a thoroughly academic book out of the album of writings and remarks Wittgenstein has left behind on the theme of external and internal relations, pulling together material from a wide range of different sources into an organized and efficient whole. The author deserves for his laborious work our sincere thanks. He has given us a well-organized presentation of Wittgenstein's applications and further development of an important philosophical topic. -- Alois Pichler, Wittgenstein Archives, University of Bergen, Norway