This work is guided by the idea that Wittgenstein's thought opens the door to a more profound break with the philosophical tradition than has been generally recognized. It brings this insight to bear on some basic problems of philosophy. Wittgenstein's work has been assimilated to the analytic tradition in such a way that its radical character has been made nearly invisible. In fact, Wittgenstein formulates a basic critique of a predominant conception in contemporary analytic philosophy, according to which language can be seen as a formal structure describable in general terms. This conception neglects the profound context-dependence of the way things said are to be understood, thus imposing a schematic view of the connections between words and life. By distancing us from the life we live with language, it makes the problems of philosophy come to appear intractable. In this work, the attempt is made to show how philosophical confusions are to be overcome through attending to the actual use of words in conversation.

This work is guided by the idea that Wittgenstein's thought opens the door to a more profound break with the philosophical tradition than has been generally recognized.

About the Author

Lars Hertzberg is Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at Abo Akademi University, Finland.

Reviews

Hertzberg's philosophical voice is highly distinctive. This volume is a wonderful demonstration of what will be involved in seriously taking on key strands in Wittgenstein's later thought, and of the way in which this calls for a more radical transformation in our conception of philosophy than is generally recognized even in the most sympathetic Wittgenstein scholarship.' -David Cockburn, Emeritus Professor, University of Wales, UK

'Lars Hertzberg is an internationally well-known and highly respected Wittgensteinian philosopher who has played a very important role in Wittgensteinian philosophy in Scandinavia. Although he might be too modest to admit it, he has developed a unique style of Wittgensteinian philosophy that combines calm, non-technical but detailed discussion of language use with a sensitive and acute ear to moral questions. Whilst it might be exaggerated to speak of a school of Wittgensteinian philosophy, his influence is clearly visible in the work of his students in Scandinavia. Without any doubt Scandinavian Wittgensteinian philosophy would not be what it is without the work of Hertzberg.' -Oskari Kuusela, Senior Lecturer in Philosophy, University of East Anglia, UK

Book Information
ISBN 9781839983610
Author Lars Hertzberg
Format Hardback
Page Count 250
Imprint Anthem Press
Publisher Anthem Press
Weight(grams) 454g
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 153mm * 26mm