In Our Time cover image

In Our Time

Wittgenstein

Dec 4, 2003
Join Ray Monk, a renowned professor and Wittgenstein biographer, alongside philosophers Barry Smith and Marie McGinn, as they delve deep into Ludwig Wittgenstein's revolutionary thoughts on language. They highlight his transformative journey from Vienna to Cambridge and discuss how his ideas on atomic facts and language games reshaped philosophy. Explore how Wittgenstein's philosophy challenged Descartes' views and address his profound influence beyond the realm of philosophy, touching psychology and contemporary culture.
42:22

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Quick takeaways

  • Wittgenstein's early philosophy emphasized the relationship between language and reality, proposing that linguistic limits define our understanding of the world.
  • His later work shifted focus to the practical use of language, highlighting the importance of context and human interaction in shaping meaning.

Deep dives

Wittgenstein's Early Life and Education

Ludwig Wittgenstein was born into a wealthy and culturally prominent Austrian family, deeply immersed in the arts and intellectual currents of early 20th-century Vienna. Initially studying engineering in Manchester, his shift to philosophy was sparked by his engagement with mathematical concepts, particularly those discussed by Bertrand Russell. Wittgenstein's early work laid the foundation for his future philosophical pursuits, raising urgent questions about the nature of logic and mathematics. This transition illustrates a critical movement from engineering to profound philosophical inquiry, ultimately leading him to Cambridge and Russell's mentorship.

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