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1 leaf with publisher's logo + TP + [V] = Inhaltsverzeichnis / Contents + VII - XI = Einleitung / Introduction + half title + 3-546 + 1 blank leaf. Folio. First Edition. Wittgenstein's First Attempt to Write a Second Philosophy BookThis first publication of "The Big Typescript" is - other than the bilingual "Contents" and "Introduction" - completely in German.Frustrated by the failure of his project with Waismann, Wittgenstein had begun clipping texts from the notebooks where he had jotted down his thoughts since his arrival at Cambridge in 1929. He reordered these and then had them typed up in the hopes that he would be able to publish the results in a book. It was Wittgenstein's first major attempt to write a second philosophy book which would present his thoughts since his return to Cambridge and his hope of correcting what he now considered to be the "serious errors" of his earlier work in the Tractatus.Despite being an unfinished manuscript, the "Big Typescript" does exhibit a clear structure and organization, showcasing Wittgenstein's meticulous approach to philosophical inquiry. This structure guides the reader through the complex web of his intertwined ideas, providing a valuable framework for understanding his later works.But, in the end, "The Big Typescript" is only a very large fragment presenting his early 1930s thinking, without either a title, a motto or any kind of substantial conclusion. This typescript does, however, provide concrete, substantial and important evidence of Wittgenstein's evolving transition from his earlier logic-focused philosophy to his later language-based approach.Regarding "The Big Typescript", Wittgenstein noted that he felt it was important "that the thoughts in [this book] should progress from one subject to another in well-ordered consecutiveness". This noble intention was, however, seriously challenged by the rapid changes in his thought at this time. But, despite its obvious limitations, it is precisely this ultimately rejected structure of the "Big Typescript" that makes it such a valuable document in understanding the ongoing evolution of Ludwig's thinking at this time. The text reflects Wittgenstein's engagement with contemporary philosophical debates and figures, including Frege, Russell, and most especially, Schlick, Carnap and Waismann of the Vienna Circle. It provides a unique perspective on the intellectual climate of the time and the arguments and insights he was wrestling with as he tried to present his extensive reflections on the nature and limitations of philosophy itself. Overall, Wittgenstein argues that traditional philosophy has often misunderstood its role and been misled by its own methods. He proposes a more humble and therapeutic approach to philosophy, focusing on clarifying our understanding of language and the ways in which it shapes our thinking.Though never published in its entirety during Wittgenstein's lifetime, "The Big Typescript" has become an essential source for scholars and students of his philosophy, offering a significant glimpse into the working mind of this brilliant philosopher revealing the struggles and revisions that shaped his final views.[See our Catalog 24: Ludwig Wittgenstein: The Man and His Thought for a collection of 81 books and pamphlets by and about Wittgenstein.] Original publisher's white dustjacket with black lettering to the front panel and the spine over dark blue boards with a small spine label (LW 11). Preserved in the publisher's original cardboard sleeve. A fine copy. ADDITIONAL PHOTOS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.
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