Mark Addis is a Reader in Philosophy at the University of Central England in Birmingham, UK. He is the co-editor of Wittgenstein and Philosophy of Religion (2001) and author of Wittgenstein: Making Sense of Other Minds (1999).
Continuum's Guides for the Perplexed are clear, concise and accessible introductions to thinkers, writers and subjects that students and readers can find especially challenging. Concentrating specifically on what it is that makes the subject difficult to fathom, these books explain and explore key themes and ideas, guiding the reader towards a thorough understanding of demanding material. Ludwig Wittgenstein is one of the most influential twentieth century philosophers with his ideas occupying a central place in the history and study of modern philosophy. Students will inevitably encounter his major contributions to the philosophies of language, mind, logic and mathematics. However, there is no escaping the extent of the challenge posed by Wittgenstein whose complex ideas are often enigmatically expressed.
Wittgenstein: A Guide for the Perplexed is an authoritative, comprehensive and lucid commentary on the philosophy of this eminent modern thinker. It offers sound guidance to reading Wittgenstein and a valuable methodology for interpreting his works. The illuminating text covers the entirety of Wittgenstein's thought, examining the relationship between the early, middle and late periods of his philosophy. Detailed attention is paid to Wittgenstein's great works the Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus and Philosophical Investigations, as well as to other published writings. Valuably, the guide also covers ground not commonly explored in studies of Wittgenstein, including his contributions to aesthetics and philosophy of religion. This is the most thorough and fully engaged account of Wittgenstein available - an invaluable resource for students and anyone interested in philosophy and modern intellectual history.
Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2: Charting the Bounds of Sense
Chapter 3: Metaphysics of the Tractatus
Chapter 4: The Middle Period
Chapter 5: Aims and Methods of Philosophical Therapy
Chapter 6: Philosophy of Language and Mathematics
Chapter 7: Philosophy of Mind
Chapter 8: Epistemology, Religion and Aesthetics
Chapter 9: Conclusion