Wittgenstein on Realism and Idealism

The present element explores Wittgenstein's evolving stance on the tension between realism and idealism in philosophy. Despite the marked and, at times, radical changes that Wittgenstein's thinking undergoes from his early to middle to later periods, there is an underlying continuity in his unwillingness to endorse either position in a straightforward manner. Instead, Wittgenstein can be understood as rejecting both positions, while nonetheless seeing insights in each position worth retaining.

The author traces these "neither-nor" and "both-and" strands of Wittgenstein's attitude toward realism and idealism to his – again, evolving – insistence on seeing language and thought as worldly phenomena. The notion that thought and language are about the world and occur amidst the very world they are about undermines the attempt to formulate any kind of general thesis concerning their interrelation.

Wittgenstein's shifting perspective on the opposition between realism and idealism is a central concern of this Element. Across the various phases of his philosophical development, Wittgenstein consistently resists aligning himself unequivocally with either of these positions. Instead, he navigates a path that acknowledges the insights of both, while ultimately rejecting the tenability of either stance in its pure form.

The author argues that Wittgenstein's insistence on understanding language and thought as inherently worldly and embedded within the very reality they seek to represent is a key factor in shaping his approach to the realism-idealism debate. This view challenges the possibility of establishing a definitive, universal theory about the relationship between thought, language, and the world.

Throughout his philosophical journey, Wittgenstein demonstrates a reluctance to embrace the polarized positions of realism and idealism. His thinking evolves, but a consistent thread emerges – a rejection of dogmatic adherence to either camp, coupled with an appreciation for the valuable insights that each position offers. The author's analysis illuminates the nuanced and dynamic nature of Wittgenstein's engagement with this fundamental philosophical tension.

The Element highlights Wittgenstein's recognition that the traditional dichotomy between realism and idealism is ultimately untenable. His approach, characterized by a refusal to align fully with either side, suggests a more fluid and contextual understanding of the relationship between thought, language, and the world. This perspective challenges the conventional philosophical pursuit of a universal, context-independent theory on the matter.

In sum, this Element provides a comprehensive examination of Wittgenstein's evolving stance on the realism-idealism debate, tracing the consistent threads that underlie his shifting positions. By emphasizing his unwillingness to embrace either position unreservedly and his insistence on seeing language and thought as inherently worldly phenomena, the author elucidates the complexity and significance of Wittgenstein's contribution to this longstanding philosophical discourse.

product information: