Ludwig Wittgenstein: Dictating Philosophy: To Francis Skinner - The Wittgenstein-Skinner Manuscripts

This volume explores Wittgenstein's unpublished manuscripts, revealing his philosophical thought processes and experiments across various subjects, including the mind, mathematics, metaphysics, language, and logic. It shows his battles against the limits of understanding and his urge to equip readers with skills to devise new pathways beyond confusion. The manuscripts were discovered in 1991 and edited by Professor Gibson and Niamh OMahony, with the support of Trinity College Cambridge and The Mathematical Association.

Format: Hardback
Length: 469 pages
Publication date: 14 December 2020
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

In this remarkable volume, we delve into the depths of Wittgenstein's creative process as he embarks on composing and experimenting with his groundbreaking philosophical visions. The book offers invaluable insights into the origins and background of these previously unknown manuscripts, shedding light on the intricate thought-processes that shaped Wittgenstein's philosophical discourse. Through meticulous analysis, it explores how Wittgenstein's philosophical ideas unfolded through his dictation to Francis Skinner, who served as his amanuensis, as well as through the editing and revision process.

What makes this book truly captivating is its vast array of Wittgenstein's fundamental experiments in philosophy, spanning a wide range of subjects such as the mind, pure and applied mathematics, metaphysics, the identities of ordinary and creative language, as well as intractable problems in logic and life. Wittgenstein's intellectual curiosity is evident as he engages with the works of renowned thinkers like Newton, Fermat, Russell, and others, drawing inspiration and challenging their ideas.

What sets this work apart is Wittgenstein's unwavering battle against the boundaries of understanding and the allure of institutional and linguistic customs. He passionately urges the reader to join him in his quest to equip us with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of life and forge new pathways beyond confusion. Wittgenstein's intellectual prowess and his unwavering commitment to philosophical inquiry make this volume a must-read for anyone interested in the depths of human thought and the pursuit of knowledge.

Weight: 996g
Dimension: 162 x 241 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030360863
Edition number: 1st ed. 2020