Ludwig Wittgenstein: Lectures and Conversations on Aesthetics, Psychology and Religious Belief

In 1938, a small group of students at Cambridge had the privilege of attending a short course of lectures on aesthetics delivered by Wittgenstein. The present volume is a compilation of notes taken by three of these students: Rush Rhees, Yorick Smythies, and James Taylor. Supplementing these notes are records of conversations between Wittgenstein and Rush Rhees regarding Freud, to whom reference was made during the aesthetics course, as well as notes from some lectures on religious belief.

Given the scarcity of published works by Wittgenstein on these subjects, these notes are of significant interest to students of contemporary philosophy. Moreover, the fresh and informal style of the notes should make Wittgenstein's ideas more accessible to those who find his earlier works, such as the Tractatus and Philosophical Investigations, rather daunting.

The inclusion of the conversations on Freud and the lectures on religious belief provides a valuable insight into the breadth of Wittgenstein's intellectual engagement. While his published works have primarily focused on the philosophy of language and logic, these supplementary materials reveal his keen interest and insights in the domains of aesthetics, psychology, and the philosophy of religion.

The compilation of these notes represents a rare opportunity for readers to engage with Wittgenstein's thoughts in a more direct and conversational manner. The informal setting of the lectures and discussions captured in these notes allows for a more intimate understanding of Wittgenstein's ideas, as well as his teaching style and interpersonal interactions.

Furthermore, the diversity of topics covered in this volume underscores the depth and complexity of Wittgenstein's philosophical investigations. By exploring aesthetics, Freudian psychology, and religious belief, the notes demonstrate the philosopher's multifaceted approach to understanding the human experience and the nature of our engagement with the world.

Overall, the publication of this collection of Wittgenstein's lectures and conversations is a valuable contribution to the study of his philosophical legacy. The fresh and accessible style of the notes, combined with the breadth of topics addressed, provides a unique opportunity for both scholars and general readers to delve into the rich and nuanced perspectives of this influential thinker.

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