Central to any interpretation of Wittgenstein's later philosophy is an understanding of his philosophical method and the nature of the turn which characterises the evolution from his early to his later work. In the essays in Wittgenstein, Scepticism and Naturalism, Marie McGinn argues that this methodological shift has at its heart a highly distinctive form of naturalism, which has its roots in the works of Goethe. This form of naturalism emphasises achieving a clarified view of complex, natural phenomena in their natural setting, with a view to describing patterns and connections that are in plain view. Wittgenstein is seen as applying these methods to the task of conceptual clarification, whose aim is to dissolve philosophical problems and paradoxes. The essays cover the following topics: scepticism about the external world; scepticism about other minds; knowledge and belief; meaning and rule-following; psychological states and the distinctive first-person use of psychological concepts; the relation between the early and the later philosophy; and the nature of Wittgenstein's naturalism.
| ISBN: | 9781839999765 |
| Publication date: | 14th July 2026 |
| Author: | Marie McGinn |
| Publisher: | Anthem Press |
| Format: | Paperback |
| Pagination: | 198 pages |
| Series: | Anthem Studies in Wittgenstein |
| Genres: |
Philosophy: epistemology and theory of knowledge Philosophy |
Central to any interpretation of Wittgenstein's later philosophy is an understanding of his philosophical method and the nature of the turn which characterises the evolution from his early to his later work. In the essays in Wittgenstein, Scepticism and Naturalism, Marie McGinn argues that this methodological shift has at its heart a highly distinctive form of naturalism, which has its roots in the works of Goethe. This form of naturalism emphasises achieving a clarified view of complex, natural phenomena in their natural setting, with a view to describing patterns and connections that are in plain view. Wittgenstein is seen as applying these methods to the task of conceptual clarification, whose aim is to dissolve philosophical problems and paradoxes. The essays cover the following topics: scepticism about the external world; scepticism about other minds; knowledge and belief; meaning and rule-following; psychological states and the distinctive first-person use of psychological concepts; the relation between the early and the later philosophy; and the nature of Wittgenstein's naturalism.
Wittgenstein, Scepticism and Naturalism features in the following genres: Philosophy: epistemology and theory of knowledge, Philosophy
Wittgenstein, Scepticism and Naturalism is available in Paperback, Hardback
Wittgenstein, Scepticism and Naturalism was written by Marie McGinn and published by Anthem Press
Wittgenstein, Scepticism and Naturalism has 198 pages
Yes it is part of Anthem Studies in Wittgenstein series
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