Ludwig Wittgenstein, a philosopher who lived from 1889 to 1951, had a profound impact on 20th-century philosophy, most notably as a key initiator of the “linguistic turn“. His work is characterized by two distinct phases, each representing a radical attempt to “restart philosophy from scratch”. Initially known for his
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Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus, his later, posthumously published work, Philosophical Investigations, revealed a more complex thinker and sparked a re-evaluation of philosophical method.
🤔 How did Wittgenstein change philosophy? – Two Radical Resets of His Own
Wittgenstein’s philosophical career is marked by two distinct and ambitious phases. His first was in the
Tractatus, where, influenced by positivism, he sought to eliminate metaphysics by exposing metaphysical propositions as meaningless through logical analysis. His second philosophical phase, which is presented in his
Philosophical Investigations, saw a shift to a more concrete, “grammatical” approach. In this later work, he argued that metaphysics stems from a misunderstanding of language’s grammar, and that philosophical clarity comes from rediscovering the true grammar of ordinary language. This shift was so impactful that it is often described as a “crisis” for other philosophers.
🗣️ What is the “linguistic turn”? – The Language-Centered Approach
The “linguistic turn” is defined as a philosophical movement that analyzes issues through the lens of language. Wittgenstein was a key initiator of this movement, proposing that philosophical problems arise from a misinterpretation of ordinary language’s grammar. His later philosophy introduced the concepts of “language games” and “forms of life,” suggesting that speaking a language is an activity intertwined with social practices and community norms. By studying these language games and their “family resemblances,” one can clarify philosophical difficulties and avoid the tendency to seek generalities and essences.
🧘 What was the goal of his philosophy? – Curing Philosophical Illusions
According to Wittgenstein, the goal of his later philosophy was therapeutic. The aim was to cure philosophers of the illusions of “false depth” by showing how philosophical problems arise from a misunderstanding of grammar and word usage. By bringing philosophical inquiry back to the ordinary use of language, a sense of peace could be achieved. The process is likened to a “cold shower” for philosophers, dispelling illusions and false depths. His famous dictum, “What we cannot speak about we must pass over in silence,” is not seen as a retreat, but as a recognition that while important matters remain, the claim to absolute knowledge is problematic.
🔬 Was Wittgenstein a positivist? – A Misunderstood Relationship with Science
Wittgenstein is often misunderstood as a positivist due to his association with the Vienna Circle. However, this is a misconception. He maintained that philosophical language was distinct from scientific language, a stance that directly contradicted the Vienna Circle’s aims. His engagement with the group led to a rupture in the 1930s. Wittgenstein was not a scientistic philosopher; his focus was on language itself, not as a tool for scientific advancement or verification.
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