Wittgenstein

by Avrum Stroll

Spanning Ludwig Wittgenstein’s entire career, from his student days at Cambridge to the entries inserted into a notebook two days before his death, this is an indispensable guide to a philosopher described by Bertrand Russell as "the most perfect example of genius I have ever known."

Combining careful organization with a highly readable style, eminent scholar Avrum Stroll outlines the unconventional backdrop to Wittgenstein’s great philosophical his dramatic change of professions, his eccentric lifestyle, and his privileged background. Lively and helpful analogies punctuate this crisp and straightforward analysis of the philosopher’s "three great ideas," revealing the dramatic reversals of opinion that characterized Wittgenstein’s career, and providing a penetrating insight into the way in which language shapes our world.

As a comprehensive survey of Wittgenstein’s unique intellect and a thought-provoking account of the realm where science and philosophy meet, this perceptive study will prove stimulating reading for students, scholars, and newcomers alike.

Genres: Philosophy

180 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Fin Quinlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant introduction to Wittgenstein. I was aware of Wittgenstein and analytical philosophy before this book although I was not too interested in it. However, after reading this I was immediately entranced and have been on a binge of material related to the Tractatus and his 'philosophical investigations'.

Stroll presents a wonderfully digestible, entry-level analysis of Wittgenstein's three schools of thought and a brief biography within the short 170-page book that leaves you really wanting for more.

Although at a surface level the equations from the Tractatus can appear complex and uninviting Stroll breaks them down into the most understandable English and offers insightful commentary that leaves you feeling as if you have genuinely learnt something after each paragraph.

[Gareth Farrow · Rating 3 out of 5]

I maybe a little unfair in only giving this book 3 stars as it was well written. I think my main problem was the brevity of the book which tried to cover a great deal of things. Wittgenstein's life and his works can not really be properly summarise in so few words and I felt this is the problem the author had. Hence at times it felt rushed and insufficiently explained/discussed. Never the less a good read, though don't expect to understand what Wittgenstein did by reading this book.

[William Patterson]

An excellent introduction and overview of Wittgenstein’s most important ideas. A good place to start for people just beginning with Wittgenstein. Even for people well familiar with W’s thought, this books provides a great review and puts difficult concepts succinctly and powerfully.

[Ali Soltani · Rating 4 out of 5]

برای شروع ويتگنشتاين خوندن خوبه

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looks like it's time to grab a copy of Philosophical Investigations and On Certainty.

[Mel Bossa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gathering my thoughts and will give a short review on this one soon.