Wittgenstein’s Philosophical Investigations

In this new introduction to a classic philosophical text, David Stern examines Wittgenstein’s Philosophical Investigations. He gives particular attention to both the arguments of the Investigations and the way in which the work is written, and especially to the role of dialogue in the book. While he concentrates on helping the reader to arrive at his or her own interpretation of the primary text, he also provides guidance to the unusually wide range of existing interpretations, and to the reasons why the Investigations have inspired such a diversity of readings. Following closely the text of the Investigations and meant to be read alongside it, this survey is accessible to readers with no previous background in philosophy. It is well-suited to university-level courses on Wittgenstein, but can also be read with profit by students in other disciplines.

• A new introduction to a classic philosophical text • Gives particular attention to both the argument of the Philosophical Investigations and the way in which it is written • Also provides guidance to the unusually wide range of existing interpretations

Introduction; 1. Philosophical Investigations §§1-693: an elementary exposition; 2. From the Tractatus to the Philosophical Investigations: two prefaces; 3. The opening of the Philosophical Investigations: the motto; 4. The critique of referential theories of meaning and the paradox of ostension: §§1-64; 5. The critique of rule-based theories of meaning and the paradox of explanation: §§65-133; 6. The critique of rule-based theories of meaning and the paradoxes of rule-following: §§134-242; 7. The critique of a private language and the paradox of inner ostension: §§243-315; Conclusion.