Wittgenstein Dictating Philosophy to Francis Skinner - The Wittgenstein-Skinner Manuscripts

In this volume, we witness Wittgenstein in the act of composing and experimenting with his new visions in philosophy. The book includes key explanations of the origin and background of these previously unknown manuscripts, and it investigates how Wittgenstein's philosophical thought-processes are revealed in his dictation to, as well as his editing and revision with Francis Skinner, in the latter's role of amanuensis. The book displays a considerable wealth and variety of Wittgenstein's fundamental experiments in philosophy across a wide array of subjects, including the mind, pure and applied mathematics, metaphysics, the identities of ordinary and creative language, as well as intractable problems in logic and life. Wittgenstein also periodically engages with the work of Newton, Fermat, Russell, and others, and the book shows him strongly battling against the limits of understanding and the bewitchment of institutional and linguistic customs.

The reader is drawn in by Wittgenstein as he urges us to join him in his struggles to equip us with skills, so that we can embark on devising new pathways beyond confusion. This collection of manuscripts was posted off by Wittgenstein to be considered for publication during World War 2, in October 1941, but none of it was published, and it remained hidden for over two generations. Upon its rediscovery, Professor Gibson was invited to research, prepare, and edit the Archive to appear as this book, encouraged by Trinity College Cambridge and The Mathematical Association. Niamh O'Mahony joined him in co-editing and bringing this book to publication.

The book provides key explanations of the origin and background of these previously unknown manuscripts, offering insights into Wittgenstein's philosophical thought-processes and the wide array of subjects he grappled with, including the mind, mathematics, metaphysics, language, logic, and life. Wittgenstein's struggles against the limits of understanding and the bewitchment of customs are vividly portrayed, as he urges the reader to join him in his quest to devise new pathways beyond confusion. The rediscovery and publication of this collection, facilitated by Professor Gibson and Niamh O'Mahony, offer a valuable addition to the study of Wittgenstein's philosophical legacy.

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