Ludwig Wittgenstein (1889-1951) was an extraordinarily original philospher, whose influence on twentieth-century thinking goes well beyond philosophy itself. In this book, which aims to make Wittgenstein`s thought accessible to the general non-specialist reader, A. C. Grayling explains the nature and impact of Wittgenstein`s views. He describes both his early and later philosophy, the differences and connections between them, and gives a fresh assessment of Wittgenstein`s continuing influence on contemporary thought.

Table of Contents:
1: Life and character
The early philosophy
2: Aims and background
3: The argument of the Tractatus
4: Some comments and questions
5: The influence of the early philosophy
The later philosophy
6: The transitional period
7: Method, meaning, and use
8: Understanding and rule following
9: `Forms of life`, private language, and criteria
10: Mind and knowledge
11: Some reflections and comments
12: Wittgenstein and recent philosophy
Further reading
Index

Author Information:
A. C. Grayling, Reader in Philosophy, Birkbeck College, University of London