Past Present Future Films of Ideas: Wittgenstein w/Nikhil Krishnan
12 snips
Dec 28, 2025 Nikhil Krishnan, a writer and philosopher renowned for his insights on 20th-century philosophy, dives into the film 'Wittgenstein' by Derek Jarman. He explores the intricacies of Ludwig Wittgenstein's life and philosophy, pondering whether biography informs thoughts or vice versa. Krishnan highlights Wittgenstein's appeal to poets and artists and discusses themes of alienation, asceticism, and his therapeutic view of philosophy. The conversation also critiques myths surrounding his relationships and legacy while emphasizing the enduring impact of his ideas.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Biography Shapes But Doesn’t Replace Ideas
- Nikhil Krishnan argues biography matters but not in a crude psychoanalytic way; ideas are believed for reasons people state, though other explanations also exist.
- Wittgenstein's neuroses partly explain his philosophical intensity but do not fully replace philosophical reasons.
Mystical Depth Explains Wittgenstein’s Appeal
- Wittgenstein attracted poets and artists because his work reached for what is 'just beyond the sayable' rather than mere technical cleverness.
- That mystical depth splits his reception between technical logicians and artistic admirers.
Philosophy As Therapeutic Struggle
- Wittgenstein treated philosophy as therapeutic: something that both infected and cured his obsessive thoughts.
- He wanted methods to stop philosophy from coming to him unbidden and to regain control.