Philosophical Investigations. (offered with) Remarks on the foundations of mathematics.
Oxford: Basil Blackwell, 1953; 1956. Two separate works. 8vo. xiv], 464 pp. xxxiii, 196 (double paged, so 392), 197-204 pp., including index. FIRST EDITIONS. I: The German text is reproduced side by side (facing pages) with the English translation. Original dust jacket; in absolutely perfect condition.
II: Again, the German text is reproduced side by side with the English translation. Text figures, including some in color. Original dust jacket, small tear at top of front (taped); an excellent copy. Item #19911
I: First edition of the most important philosophy book written in the twentieth century. Published posthumously in 1953, the book challenges traditional notions of meaning, language, and thought, fundamentally altering the trajectory of analytic philosophy.
Wittgenstein critiques his earlier work in Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus, proposing a more dynamic understanding of language. He explores how words derive meaning from their use in specific contexts rather than from static definitions, emphasizing the ordinary and practical dimensions of language. The work is written in an easily digestible style, blending argument, examples, and thought experiments. Not only has the book had an enduring influence on the philosophy of language, epistemology, and cognitive science, but it has also served as a foundational text for later philosophical movements such as ordinary language philosophy. Its innovative method, emphasizing dialogue and reflection, encourages readers to reconsider the relationship between language and the world, making it an essential read for anyone interested in the complexities of human thought and expression.
II: Remarks is a collection of notes and reflections that critically examine the philosophical foundations of mathematics. Wittgenstein delves into topics such as the nature of mathematical truth, the role of language in mathematics, and the conceptual foundations of mathematical practices. He challenges traditional views of logic and mathematics, proposing a perspective rooted in his broader philosophy of language and meaning. The work is both a critique of formalism and a unique exploration of the connections between mathematics, logic, and human practices.
Wittgenstein (1889–1951), an Austrian-British philosopher, made groundbreaking contributions to logic, philosophy of language, epistemology, and metaphysics. His early works, especially the Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus (1921), sought to outline the relationship between language and reality through a logical framework. Later he shifted to a more pragmatic view of language, emphasizing its use in ordinary contexts. Despite leading a turbulent and introspective life, he profoundly shaped both analytic philosophy and contemporary thought, influencing areas as diverse as linguistics, psychology, and computer science.
Price: $2,500.00