Summary
Hacker's revised edition of *Wittgenstein: Understanding and Meaning* presents a detailed analytical commentary on Ludwig Wittgenstein's *Philosophical Investigations*, focusing on the interpretation of remarks §§1-184. The work's central argument is that understanding and meaning in language are elucidated through the actual "use" of words, as opposed to metaphysical theories about meaning. The revised volume incorporates new material unavailable in the first edition, including entirely new essays such as 'Meaning and Use' and 'The Recantation of a Metaphysician'. It also includes extensive revisions to the exegesis of §§1-184, informed by the electronic publication of Wittgenstein's *Nachlass*, offering fresh interpretations and a history of the book's composition.
This volume serves as a definitive reference for understanding Wittgenstein's *Philosophical Investigations*. It provides readers with a thorough exegesis of the early sections of the *Investigations*, integrating new scholarly findings and interpretations. The commentary clarifies Wittgenstein's philosophical method and his critique of traditional philosophical views on language and meaning, emphasizing the practical, context-dependent nature of linguistic understanding. A reader gains specific insights into Wittgenstein's evolving thought, particularly his shift towards analyzing language as it is employed in…
Key concepts
- Meaning and Use — The idea that the meaning of a word is determined by how it is used in language.
- The Philosophical Investigations — Wittgenstein's seminal work of philosophy, which the commentary analyzes.
- Nachlass — The unpublished papers and manuscripts of Ludwig Wittgenstein.
- Analytical Commentary — A detailed, section-by-section exposition and interpretation of a philosophical text.
From the book
Description: This is a new edition of the first volume of G.P.Baker and P.M.S. Hacker’s definitive reference work on Wittgenstein’s Philosophical Investigations. New edition of the first volume of the monumental four-volume Analytical Commentary on the Philosophical Investigations. Takes into account much material that was unavailable when the first edition was written. Following Baker’s death in 2002, P.M.S. Hacker has thoroughly revised the first volume, rewriting many essays and sections of exegesis completely. Part One - the Essays - now includes two completely new essays: 'Meaning and Use' and 'The Recantation of a Metaphysician'. Part Two - Exegesis §§1-184 - has been thoroughly revised in the light of the electronic publication of Wittgenstein’s Nachlass, and includes many new…
Snippet: This is a new edition of the first volume of G.P.Baker and P.M.S. Hacker’s definitive reference work on Wittgenstein’s Philosophical Investigations.