Wittgenstein's Poker: The Story of a Ten-Minute Argument Between Two Great Philosophers

On October 25, 1946, in a crowded room in Cambridge, England, the great twentieth-century philosophers Ludwig Wittgenstein and Karl Popper came face to face for the first and only time. Their loud and aggressive confrontation, which lasted ten minutes, became the stuff of instant legend, but precisely what happened during that brief encounter remained for decades the subject of intense disagreement.

Wittgenstein's Poker, an engaging mix of philosophy, history, biography, and literary detection, explores the history of philosophy in the twentieth century through the Popper/Wittgenstein confrontation. The book evokes the tumult of fin-de-siécle Vienna, the birthplace of Wittgentein and Popper, the tragedy of the Nazi takeover of Austria, and the postwar Cambridge University, with its eccentric set of philosophy dons, including Bertrand Russell. At the center of the story stand the two giants of philosophy themselves -- proud, irascible, larger than life -- and spoiling for a fight.

The meeting between Wittgenstein and Popper, though brief, was intense and confrontational. Their differing philosophical views and personalities clashed in a way that became the stuff of legend. Wittgenstein, known for his rigorous and uncompromising approach to philosophy, and Popper, a proponent of critical rationalism, engaged in a heated debate that left lasting impressions on all who witnessed it.

The book delves into the historical and personal contexts that shaped these two formidable figures, providing insights into the intellectual landscape of the time. It explores the tensions and rivalries that existed within the Cambridge philosophical community, as well as the broader political and social upheavals that were shaping the era.

Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, Wittgenstein's Poker brings to life the drama and significance of the Popper/Wittgenstein confrontation. It offers readers a window into the personal and professional lives of these two giants of philosophy, while also shedding light on the broader currents of thought that were shaping the twentieth century.

The book's title, Wittgenstein's Poker, refers to an incident during the confrontation where Wittgenstein allegedly threatened Popper with a fireplace poker, a gesture that has become symbolic of the intensity and antagonism that characterized their relationship. This incident, along with the larger context of the meeting, has been the subject of much debate and speculation, and Wittgenstein's Poker delves into the nuances and complexities of this pivotal moment in the history of philosophy.

Overall, Wittgenstein's Poker is a captivating and insightful work that transports readers to a pivotal moment in the intellectual history of the twentieth century. Through its exploration of the Popper/Wittgenstein confrontation, the book offers a unique and engaging perspective on the ideas, personalities, and social dynamics that shaped the philosophical landscape of the time.

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