Philosophical Writings for Modern Thinkers

The most comprehensive introduction to "the greatest philosopher of the 20th century" (New York Times Book Review), Major Works is the first single-volume English anthology of Ludwig Wittgenstein's important philosophical writings. This new collection features the complete texts of Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus, The Blue and Brown Books: Studies for 'Philosophical Investigations,' and On Certainty, selectively showcasing the early, middle, and later career of this revolutionary thinker, widely recognized as one of the most profound minds of all time.

Wittgenstein contributed several groundbreaking ideas to philosophy, primarily in the foundations of logic, the philosophy of mathematics, the philosophy of language, and the philosophy of mind. "The greatest philosopher of the [20th] century . . . Wittgenstein had an impact of extraordinary proportions," as stated by Colin McGinn in The New Republic.

Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus, Wittgenstein's first major work, is a seminal text that explores the relationship between language and the world, presenting a metaphysical picture of language as a logical structure that mirrors the logical structure of reality. This work laid the foundation for his later philosophical developments, which focused on the role of language in shaping our understanding of the world.

The Blue and Brown Books, compiled from Wittgenstein's early lectures and conversations, offer a more accessible introduction to his thought, delving into the nature of language, meaning, and the workings of the human mind. These works showcase Wittgenstein's shift towards a more contextual and pragmatic approach to language, moving away from the rigid formalism of the Tractatus.

Finally, On Certainty, Wittgenstein's last major work, explores the concept of certainty and the foundations of knowledge, challenging traditional philosophical views on the nature of truth and the limits of human understanding. This text exemplifies Wittgenstein's later philosophy, which emphasizes the situated and contextual nature of language and thought.

By bringing together these seminal works, Major Works provides a comprehensive introduction to the philosophical contributions of Ludwig Wittgenstein, one of the most influential thinkers of the 20th century. This anthology offers readers a unique opportunity to engage with the full breadth and depth of Wittgenstein's groundbreaking ideas, which continue to shape and inform contemporary philosophical discourse.

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