The False Prison: A Study of the Development of Wittgenstein's Philosophy Volume 2 (False Prison) - Softcover

Pears, David

Softcover

ISBN 10: 019824486X ISBN 13: 9780198244868

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 1982

Synopsis

This is the second of two volumes which describe the development of Wittgenstein's philosophy from the "Notebooks" and the "Tractatus" to "Philosophical Investigations" and his other later writings. This volume covers his later philosophy from 1929 onwards. It traces two lines of thought, one starting from the treatment of solipsism in the "Tractatus" and the other developing out of the early theory of language proposed in that book. The work as a whole is designed to fill a gap in the literature on Wittgenstein, and the doctrines and ideas chosen for close discussion are those which the author believes reveal the general structure of Wittgenstein's thought. Pears aims to relate the general to the particular within a clearly delineated framework, thereby hoping to make Wittgenstein more accessible to students of philosophy and to non-specialists. Volume I and II form a continuous study of Wittgenstein's philosophy, but they are designed to be read independently of each other.

About this title

Review

'magisterial study ... Pears is of course an exceptionally well-qualified guide to theTractatus' Time Literary Supplement

'He has an unerring sense for what is central in Wittgenstein's investigations and an enviable gift for reconstructing Wittgenstein's thought by projecting himself into a problem as it presented itself to Wittgenstein, but without sacrificing his independence. The depth and density of his interpretation contrast sharply with most other efforts. His book is elegantly and imaginatively written, with an unrivalled sympathy for and rare mastery of its subject.' Malcolm Budd, TLS

'lucid and careful treatment' Times Higher Education Supplement

'This book provides a detailed and perceptive account of both the continuities and discontinuities in the development of Wittgenstein's later treatment of the ego, sensation and rule-following.' David Stern, University of Iowa, Canadian Philosophical Reviews

'The clarity of the exposition and the detail with which the arguments are untangled makes this an excellent book for student use.' Rom Harré, International Studies in Philosophy

Edition details

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 1982
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 019824486X
• ISBN 13: 9780198244868
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 360