Customer Reviews

Introducing Wittgenstein

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is the second book I've read in the "Introducing..." series and the first I've had a positive experience with. Employing graphics and text (with a little more emphasis on the graphics) INTRODUCING WITTGENSTEIN provided me with enough information to decide whether I wanted to proceed from introduction to a deeper acquaintance.
The first half of the book is a short biography of Wittgenstein, the second a truncated and abbreviated synopsis of his philosophy. The looser graphic format allows the authors to avoid some of the limitations of the more traditional, text-only biography. They aren't tied to a linear narrative. Most important, perhaps, is that the graphics make an intimidating subject seem more approachable.
The second half of the book deals with Wittgenstein's philosophy. Although it doesn't explain Wittgenstein's philosophy (I'm afraid you'd have to go to the source material for that) it does outline Wittgenstein's area of interest - thought and language, non-existential truths, doubt and certainty.
After reading this, do I know what Wittgenstein was talking about? Yes and no. I don't understand his philosophy, but that wasn't quite the point of this book. I have a rough idea of his work, and the authors include an annotated bibliography if I want to continue on. Introduction successful.