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Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus (Routledge Classics) 2nd Edition
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Perhaps the most important work of philosophy written in the twentieth century, Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus was the only philosophical work that Ludwig Wittgenstein published during his lifetime. Written in short, carefully numbered paragraphs of extreme brilliance, it captured the imagination of a generation of philosophers. For Wittgenstein, logic was something we use to conquer a reality which is in itself both elusive and unobtainable. He famously summarized the book in the following words: 'What can be said at all can be said clearly; and what we cannot talk about we must pass over in silence.' David Pears and Brian McGuinness received the highest praise for their meticulous translation. The work is prefaced by Bertrand Russell's original introduction to the first English edition.
- ISBN-100415254086
- ISBN-13978-0415254083
- Edition2nd
- Publication date
2001
May 18
- Language
EN
English
- Dimensions
5.1 x 0.3 x 7.8
inches
- Length
142
Pages
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'Beautifully strange ... an icy, gnomic, compact work of mystical logic.' - Steven Poole, The Guardian
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- Publisher : Routledge; 2nd edition (May 18, 2001)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 142 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0415254086
- ISBN-13 : 978-0415254083
- Item Weight : 5.6 ounces
- Dimensions : 5.08 x 0.32 x 7.79 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #525,010 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #359 in Philosophy of Logic & Language
- #887 in Modern Western Philosophy
- #13,662 in Unknown
- Customer Reviews:
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I think that a primary aim of Wittgenstein in the Tractatus was to address Russell's paradox and other problems of the "language" of logic, as being developed by Frege, Russell and Whitehead at that time. This led him into deep waters with respect to the mysteries of language, and a seeming necessity to set limits, even if these limits were somewhat arbitrary. Certainly some of his insights in this regard were highly penetrating. In particular, he viewed transgressing limits where truth could be adequately assessed as entering a realm of nonsense. I feel that had Gödel's work been available at the time, Wittgenstein might have thought somewhat differently about the limits he perceived. On the other hand, Wittgenstein ignored this work later in the more mature phases of his thinking. I came away from the Tractatus feeling that while it is still of great importance, especially as it was at a historical nexus in the evolution of logic, and displays some profound insights, time has somewhat passed it by.
Arguably, this is the first computer code written to be an abstract sample similar to codes to be written many years ahead, to be parsed by other human logicians. The reader should not try to understand every proposition in it, as it is. The reason the book was written is to show that it is possible to program humans (or machines) by means of a written text.
Despite its unquestioned historical significance the Tractatus is not necessarily a good entry point into Wittgenstein's thought. Arguably, if one were to read it not aware of the context within it which it was written it might seem pedantic and tedious - it is largely focused on addressing logico-linguistic questions prevalent at the outset of the twentieth century. From my perspective, an understanding of Frege and Russell is essential to appreciating the Tractatus. In particular it is important to have an appreciation for Frege's notions of concept, and his views on sense and reference; Whereas, Russell's approach to names and descriptions is also important.
Although I appreciate Wittgenstein's work in the fields of language and logic I think his influence on modern philosophy has not been entirely positive. For instance it could be argued that the Logical-Positivist movement stemming from Wittgenstein's early work steered philosophical discussion into and sterile and uninteresting period where large metaphysical questions were deemed out of bonds (undoubtedly some would consider this a good thing).
Overall, the Tractatus is a classic in modern philosophy - an important read for all serious students. For non-Wittgenstein enthusiasts, however, it can be a difficult read in early twentieth century analytic philosophy.
Top reviews from other countries
潮流に位置付ければ論理実証学派の先駆けとなった存在として評し得ようが、
自ら恃むところの多い青年哲学者の、若く清冽な議論が簡潔に展開される内容は、
まことに小気味が良い。
知力と反骨精神で、一刀両断する論じぶりは、特に若い哲学学徒にとっての魅力に
溢れる著作である。
However, there was no mention of Wittgenstein in Durrant's Story as Tractatus came into the public domain a little later than Will first published his.
India calls itself a republic, but still Indians, in general, are not conversant with its ideas expounded in Greek Philosophy through modern times. It is high time we give importance to epistemology in our school curriculums, and to enable the study we need a collection of books epitomizing western philosophy. Can Amazon.com come out with a package of books(print or digital) to be added to each school library in the country in this regard.
He asumes nothing and 'argues out' everything.
It's rermarkable and it puts other 20thC works of philosophy in the shade.
A really unique book.
Talks about the alphabet of philosophy.
Ludwig undoubtedly one of best philosophers of ALL TIME...
Great life... Yes it is not a work, it is his life







