Wittgenstein's Tractatus: An Introduction

by Alfred Nordmann

Overview

Ludwig Wittgenstein's 'Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus' is one of the most important books of the twentieth century. It influenced philosophers and artists alike and continues to fascinate readers today. Alfred Nordmann's introduction considers both the philosophical and the literary aspects of the Tractatus and demonstrates how they are related. It also reveals how the work fits into Wittgenstein's philosophical development and the tradition of analytic philosophy, arguing strongly for the vigor and significance of that tradition.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521850865
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	08/25/2005
Series:	Cambridge Introductions to Key Philosophical Texts
Pages:	248
Product dimensions:	5.51(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.67(d)

About the Author

Alfred Nordmann is Professor of Philosophy at Technische Universität Darmstadt. He has translated and edited works by Wittgenstein and is president of the Lichtenberg Society.

Table of Contents

Introduction: Wittgenstein's provocation; 1. Critical philosophy; 2. The argument; 3. Thought experiments; 4. Tense and mood; 5. The senses of sense; Conclusion: a sense of familiarity.

Editorial Reviews

'This is an extraordinarily interesting, and in fact gripping, book on a famously enigmatic text. Nordmann's mastery of the philosophical backgrounds, extending back through both Anglophone and European philosophy, along with his deep knowledge of the Austrian culture behind the early Wittgenstein, puts him in a position to shed rare light on Wittgenstein's seemingly gnomic utterances. Put this all together and you have a striking elucidation of Wittgenstein on the limits of sense that richly rewards close reading.' Garry Hagberg, James H. Ottaway Professor of Philosophy and Aesthetics & Editor of 'Philosophy and Literature', Bard College, New York

'Rare and useful discussion is given of such important influences as the aphorist Georg Lichtenberg and the philosophically minded physicist Henrich Hertz, and in this context there is also a very welcome examination of Wittgenstein's highly unusual literary style.' The Times Higher Education Supplement

'… Nordmann's interpretation is a thoroughly provocative one …' Philosophical Investigations

From the Publisher