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An Introduction to Wittgenstein's Tractatus (Wittgenstein Studies)

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Gertrude Anscombe's "An Introduction to Wittgenstein's Tractatus", originally published in 1959 discusses Wittgenstein's early twentieth century classic. Anscombe is herself is an accomplished philosopher and respected Wittgenstein commentator.

This short work (although longer than the Tractatus) discusses Wittgenstein's early thoughts on a range of concepts pertinent to understanding the Tractatus, e.g. formal logic, language etc. In looking at Wittgenstein she examines his work in light of his contemporaries Frege and Russell. From my perspective, given the austereness of the Tractatus, this latter point is particularly important to understanding Wittgenstein (in many ways he represents the culmination of their work in logic). Without some historic context (perhaps even with it) the Tractatus can seem pedantic.

Despite its strengths, however, I think that Anscombe's text offers little for the non-expert Wittgenstein reader. To improve it in this regard a limited discussion of late nineteenth century idealism may be helpful - given that the extreme analytical approach taken by Frege and company seems in part a reaction to Hegelian idealism. Wittgenstein can seem almost impenetrable and times and a guide to his work can be helpful. Unfortunately, in this effort Anscombe is as opaque as the master and provides limited assistance.

Overall, Anscombe's work is a solid commentary. I do not think, however, that it offers much to the reader who is not versed in Wittgenstein thought. From my point of view, Russell's introduction to the original English translation of the Tractatus is much superior in situating the work for the uninitiated.

Throughout most of his adult life, Wittgenstein flirted with conversion to the Catholic faith. Don't read the Tractatus and fall into the naive trap of logical positivism. Wittgenstein was above all concerned with fighting the modern, secular worldview and promoting a religious one. Though he did not explicitly endorse scripturual stories as literal truth, he was concerned to promote a worldview in which questions about value were taken seriously and not dismissed as unscientific superstition.

Anscombe is a good interpreter and capable of understanding Wittgenstein, though not for the lay reader.

Leading this book is an Introduction from his contemporary
Bertand Russell,who states "the book is considered an important
event in the philosophical world."
Lidwig begins with "Philosophy is not a theory but an activity"
from his Opus (1921).
He starts off the book dealing with symbolism and words,then
states that their are four main points:
Theory of knowledge
Principals of physics
Ethics
Mystical
Starting with the last page opens up your mind and gives it a

fresh look in understanding all he says.
"My propositions are elucidatory in this way: he who understands me finally recognizes them as senseless, when he has
climbedout through them, on them, over them. (He must so to speak throw away the ladder, after he has climbed up on it.)
Where one cannot speak, therefore one must be silent."

Let go of any begining ideas and let his ideas flow through you.

Sandra Daftarian/Jan.2002