Plot Summary

Philosophical Investigations

Ludwig Wittgenstein
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Philosophical Investigations

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1953

Book Brief

Ludwig Wittgenstein

Philosophical Investigations

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1953
Book Details
Pages

256

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Germany • 1950s

Publication Year

1953

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Philosophical Investigations by Ludwig Wittgenstein, translated by G.E. Anscombe, explores the nature of language through a series of arguments and examples, suggesting that language is too fluid to be analyzed rigorously and should instead be described. Wittgenstein uses a maieutic dialogue style and begins with Augustine's idea that words correlate with objects, illustrating with examples such as requesting "five red apples." He argues that the meaning of words is defined by their use in social contexts and criticizes the notion that language can be fully captured by formal logic, concluding that philosophy's role is to untangle the confusions caused by language.

Contemplative

Challenging

Informative

Mysterious

Reviews & Readership

4.3

14,985 ratings

81%

Loved it

13%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Philosophical Investigations by Ludwig Wittgenstein is lauded for its groundbreaking approach to language and meaning, challenging traditional philosophy. Reviewers praise its profound insights but note its complexity can be daunting for newcomers. Wittgenstein's fragmented style is both a strength and a barrier, stimulating deep contemplation yet requiring patient engagement.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Philosophical Investigations?

A reader who would enjoy Philosophical Investigations by Ludwig Wittgenstein is typically a philosophy enthusiast, especially interested in language and mind. Comparable to readers of Wittgenstein’s earlier work Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus or those intrigued by Heidegger’s Being and Time, they appreciate deep, analytical inquiries into meaning and existence.

4.3

14,985 ratings

81%

Loved it

13%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Fun Facts

Philosophical Investigations was published posthumously in 1953, two years after Ludwig Wittgenstein's death, despite being considered one of his most significant works during his lifetime.

Wittgenstein originally wrote Philosophical Investigations in German, and it reflects his distinctive style of short, aphoristic remarks, making it famously challenging yet rewarding to translate and interpret accurately.

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The structure of Philosophical Investigations is notable for rejecting the traditional linear argument form, instead presenting its philosophical insights through an array of numbered remarks and dialogues.

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Book Details
Pages

256

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Germany • 1950s

Publication Year

1953

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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