Ludwig Wittgenstein

Wittgenstein is widely regarded as one of the greatest philosophers since Kant, and his work, private life and historical events intertwine in a fascinating, complex web. Edward Kanterian explores these intersections and provides a careful account of Wittgenstein's notoriously abstract philosophical works, from Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus (1921) to the posthumously published Philosophical Investigations (1953), making them comprehensible to general readers as well as offering new interpretations. Yet the philosopher's passions were not solely confined to theoretical musings, and this book explores Wittgenstein's immersion in art, architecture and music as well as his social position as a member of the sophisticated Viennese upper class at the beginning of the twentieth century.His personal and professional relationships also offer insights into his thought, as he was friends with some of the the most fascinating intellectual figures of the time, among them Gottlob Frege, John Maynard Keynes, George Edward Moore, Bertrand Russell and Adolf Loos.
Ludwig Wittgenstein is generally considered as the greatest philosopher since Immanuel Kant, and his personal life, work, and his historical moment intertwined in a fascinating, complex web. Noted scholar Edward Kanterian explores these intersections in Ludwig Wittgenstein, the newest title in the acclaimed Critical Lives series. Wittgenstein’s works—from Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus to the posthumously published Philosophical Investigations­—are notoriously dense, and Kanterian carefully distills them here, proposing thought-provoking new interpretations. Yet the philosopher’s passions were not solely confined to theoretical musings, and the book explores Wittgenstein’s immersion in art and music and his social position as a member of the sophisticated Viennese upper class at the turn of the century. His personal and professional relationships also offer insights into his thoughts, as he was friends with the greatest thinkers of the twentieth century, including John Maynard Keynes, George Edward Moore, Bertrand Russell, and Gilbert Royle. The philosopher was also deeply tormented by ethical and religious questions, and his internal turmoil, Kanterian argues, gives us a deeper understanding of the important conflicts and tensions of his age. Ultimately, the author contends, Wittgenstein’s life reveals insights into the ethical quandaries of our own time.A readable and concise account, Ludwig Wittgenstein is an informative, accessible introduction to the one of the greatest thinkers of our age.