Wittgenstein's Philosophical Investigations: Text and Context

The apparently disjointed structure of Wittgenstein'sPhilosophical Investigationshas often been taken as a license for interpreting passages out of context. As a result, numerous articles and books have appeared which pay little attention to the actual text. Robert Arrington and Hans-Johann Glock show how important it is to consider the arguments which specify or authorize particular readings of certain passages. The essays in this volume approach theInvestigationswith the conviction that prior to pronouncements of the relevance or tenability of certain remarks, one must carefully consider Wittgenstein's text itself and locate the puzzling passages in their contexts in order to understand and appreciate them. A lively debate emerges as authors differ in their assessments of the philosophical value of their material; some try to show that careful interpretations reveal valuable insights intoprima facieuntenable passages, while others conclude that certain remarks fail toresolve the issues they address. Wittgenstein's Philosophical Investigationsis a major contribution to the study of this work as well as the whole of Wittgenstein's thought. It will be essential and fascinating reading for those who study this great thinker.