Mythology in Language: Remarks on Frazer's Golden Bough

In 1967, Ludwig Wittgenstein's famous "Remarks on Frazer's 'Golden Bough'" was published posthumously. At the time, anthropology and philosophy were closely intertwined, with continental thinkers heavily drawing on anthropological concepts like mana, taboo, and potlatch to explore the limits of human belief and imagination. Now, this book receives its first translation by an anthropologist, in the hope of reigniting a new era of interdisciplinary collaboration.

Wittgenstein's insights on ritual, magic, religion, belief, ceremony, and Frazer's own logical presuppositions remain as lucid and thought-provoking today as they were during his lifetime. Anthropologists find themselves grappling with many of the same questions that Wittgenstein posed, and this volume reflects that by featuring a series of engagements with his ideas by some of the world's leading anthropologists, including Veena Das, David Graeber, Wendy James, Heonik Kwon, Michael Lambek, Michael Puett, and Carlo Severi.

The close relationship between anthropology and philosophy in the early 20th century is a testament to the shared interests and concerns of these two disciplines. Wittgenstein's "Remarks on Frazer's 'Golden Bough'" exemplifies this intellectual exchange, as the philosopher delves into the anthropological concepts and theories that were shaping the understanding of human societies and belief systems at the time.

By bringing this work to a new generation of readers through an anthropological lens, the hope is that it will inspire a renewed dialogue between these fields. Anthropologists can engage with Wittgenstein's philosophical insights and use them to inform their own research and theorizing, while philosophers can draw on the rich ethnographic data and cultural perspectives that anthropology has to offer.

The contributors to this volume represent a diverse range of approaches and perspectives, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of the endeavor. Their engagements with Wittgenstein's ideas cover a wide range of topics, from the role of ritual and ceremony in shaping human experience to the nature of belief and the limits of rational thinking.

Ultimately, this collection serves as a testament to the enduring relevance of Wittgenstein's work and the continued importance of the dialogue between anthropology and philosophy. By revisiting these classic texts through a contemporary lens, it offers readers a fresh and thought-provoking perspective on the fundamental questions that have long captivated both disciplines.

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