Wittgenstein and Literary Studies

Wittgenstein's work has gained prominence in literary studies, particularly in debates over language, interpretation, and critical judgment. Wittgenstein and Literary Studies brings together recent critics and philosophers who understand Wittgenstein as a counterweight to longstanding tendencies in literary studies and philosophical aesthetics. The essays explore why contemporary writers are drawn to Wittgenstein, his response to critical movements, and how he helps us understand the nature of style, fiction, poetry, and the link between ethics and aesthetics. The volume offers a rare bridge between professional philosophy and literary studies, providing a way out of entrenched positions and their denials.

Format: Hardback
Length: 350 pages
Publication date: 23 February 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Wittgenstein, widely recognized as the most influential philosopher of the 20th century, has gained increasing prominence in literary studies in recent decades. His profound insights into language, interpretation, and critical judgment have sparked lively debates among scholars. Wittgenstein and Literary Studies, a groundbreaking collection of essays, solidifies this critical movement by bringing together renowned critics and philosophers who view Wittgenstein as a counterbalance to longstanding tendencies in both literary studies and philosophical aesthetics.

The essays in this volume explore various aspects of Wittgenstein's influence on contemporary writers. They delve into the reasons behind the enduring appeal of Wittgenstein's ideas to modern writers, examining his response to critical movements such as New Historicism, Post-Critique, and others. Wittgenstein's approach to style, fiction, poetry, and the relationship between ethics and aesthetics is also explored, shedding light on how his ideas can help us understand these artistic forms in new and profound ways.

One of the key strengths of Wittgenstein and Literary Studies is its ability to bridge the gap between professional philosophy and literary studies. The volume showcases how Wittgenstein's ideas can provide fresh perspectives and challenge entrenched positions, offering a way out of the "pictures" that have confined us in our thinking. By engaging with Wittgenstein's work, scholars can break free from the limitations imposed by traditional approaches and explore new avenues for understanding literature and the broader cultural landscape.

The essays in Wittgenstein and Literary Studies cover a wide range of topics, each offering insightful perspectives on Wittgenstein's influence on contemporary literature. Some essays explore the role of language in Wittgenstein's philosophy, examining how his ideas about meaning, truth, and expression shape our understanding of literature. Others explore the relationship between Wittgenstein's philosophy and fiction, examining how his ideas about rules, games, and narrative can inform our interpretation of literary works. Still, others explore the ethical and aesthetic dimensions of Wittgenstein's philosophy, examining how his ideas about the nature of judgment and the good life can inform our critical evaluation of literature.

In conclusion, Wittgenstein and Literary Studies is a groundbreaking collection of essays that explores the profound influence of Wittgenstein's philosophy on contemporary literary studies. By bringing together leading critics and philosophers, the volume offers a fresh and innovative perspective on literature and culture. Wittgenstein's ideas provide a valuable counterbalance to longstanding tendencies in both literary studies and philosophical aesthetics, offering us a way out of entrenched positions and their denials. Through engaging with Wittgenstein's work, scholars can gain a deeper understanding of the nature of style, fiction, poetry, and the link between ethics and aesthetics. This volume is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of philosophy and literature, and it will undoubtedly inspire further research and discussion in this field.

Weight: 476g
Dimension: 159 x 235 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108833219