A Wittgenstein Dictionary

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0631185372 ISBN 13: 9780631185376

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell, 1996

This lucid and accessible dictionary presents technical terms that Wittgenstein introduced into philosophical debate or transformed substantially, and also topics to which he made a substantial contribution. Hans-Johann Glock places Wittgenstein's ideas in their relevance to current debates. The entries delineate Wittgenstein's lines of argument on particular issues, assessing their strengths and weaknesses, and shed light on fundamental exegetical controversies.

The dictionary entries are prefaced by a "Sketch of a Intellectual Biography", which links the basic themes of the early and later philosophy and describes the general development of Wittgenstein's thinking. Extensive textual references, a detailed index and an annotated bibliography will facilitate further study. Authoritative, comprehensive and clear, the volume will be welcomed by anyone with an interest in Wittgenstein – his life, work or influence.

Each Blackwell Philosopher Dictionary presents the life and work of an individual philosopher in a scholarly but accessible manner. Entries cover key ideas and thoughts, as well as the main themes of the philosopher’s works. A comprehensive biographical sketch is also included.

About the Author:

Hans-Johann Glock is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Reading. He has been Visiting Professor at Queen's University, Ontario and a research fellow of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation at Bielefeld University. He is the author ofQuine and Davidson (2003); editor of The Rise of Analytic Philosophy (Blackwell 1997), Wittgenstein: A Critical Reader (Blackwell 2001) Strawson and Kant (2003); and co-editor, with Robert L. Arrington, of Wittgenstein's Philosophical Investigations (1991) and Wittgenstein and Quine (1996).

From Library Journal:

This is not a dictionary in the strict sense, of a work that provides concise definitions of terms, but is far more in that it provides analysis and references to Wittgenstein's texts for each term or concept discussed. Glock begins with an essay that traces Wittgenstein's career and the development of his thought, the influences of such people as Frege, Russell, and the members of the Vienna Circle, and ends with a statement of Wittgenstein's significance for 20th-century philosophy. For most terms contained in the dictionary, the discussion is fairly detailed, and Glock provides critical insight into each term. Some familiarity with Wittgenstein, his antecedents, and the development of analytical philosophy is necessary for a proper appreciation of the dictionary, but this is certainly a tool that will have value for Wittgenstein students and researchers. Recommended for all libraries supporting programs in analytic philosophy.?Terry C. Skeats, Bishop's Univ. Lib., Lennoxville, Quebec
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.