Wittgenstein on Music

The author explores the importance of music to Wittgenstein's philosophical progression and its difference from current philosophy of music. He argues that Wittgenstein's view of musical profundity as knowledge of people sets it apart from current debates in analytically inclined philosophy of music.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 86 pages
Publication date: 11 April 2024
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The author delves into the profound significance of music in Ludwig Wittgenstein's philosophical development, exploring the unique nature of its philosophical importance compared to the traditional philosophy of music practiced in the analytic tradition. The author begins by envisioning a collaborative musical experience, drawing inspiration from Wittgenstein's renowned master simile of language as music. Throughout the text, the author traces these themes as they unfold across Wittgenstein's early, middle, and later periods.

Central to the author's argument is Wittgenstein's overarching reorientation of the concept of depth in relation to music following his anthropological turn. This reorientation stands in contrast to the prevailing outlook of German Romanticism and culminates in Wittgenstein's distinctive view of musical profundity as the knowledge of people. By examining this shift, the author highlights the distinctive nature of Wittgenstein's philosophical approach to music, which sets him apart from certain convictions and debates prevalent in contemporary analytically inclined philosophy of music.

The author's exploration of the importance of music in Wittgenstein's philosophical progression offers valuable insights into the relationship between philosophy, music, and the human experience. It sheds light on Wittgenstein's unique perspective on the depths of meaning and understanding, challenging traditional notions of musical profundity and offering a fresh perspective on the role of music in the broader realm of philosophical inquiry. Through its meticulous analysis and thoughtful exploration, this text provides a valuable contribution to the study of Wittgenstein's philosophy and the broader field of philosophy of music.

ISBN-13: 9781009313759