Really interesting book.

It is a diary of Wittgenstein's thoughts on a couple of Moore's pieces. In those pieces, Moore proved the obvious, such as "This is my hand," "That is a tree."

The aphorisms in the book add up to a complex analysis of various aspects like thought, belief, knowledge, language games, forms of life, learning, doubt, and what constitutes a mistake.

The basic argument is that for Moore, his hand is indeed certainly his hand. However, Moore's knowledge is not really anything more than his firm conviction in his own belief.

All the knowledge that we claim is based around unconscious systems of rules. These are not the rules written in a book but the embedded ways that we have mastered, and not even we could write them into a rule book.

The irony of Moore's argument is that he feels he can offer a proof because his language is so clear and his proposition emerges neatly from its perfect coherence.

What is obvious and common-sense to Moore in England might be complete nonsense to someone from a distant community or the Moon.

These people haven't spent years playing the same philosophical language games as Moore and thus are not "certain" of the same things.

They may doubt Moore's system to the extent that he would have to abandon it.

Any doubt or error within Moore's system would need to be written off as a mistake to not compromise the premise.

The most interesting part of this book for me is the discussion of learning and the empirical propositions that aren't really even assertions.

Over time, what we do builds up into what we "know" - what seems obvious.

This obviousness removes doubt from certain portions of our lives, and then we may act.

The child doesn't know that he knows what the color red is called. He simply sees red and thinks it is red because that's what others do, what he was taught, and what his teacher called it yesterday.

Upon the landscape of such sedimentations, we have forms of life and the language games that occur related back to them.

It can be rather burdensome because, after all, it is nothing but pure analytic philosophy.

However, I have quite liked the way it makes a dubitative/reflexive (etc.) journey with whoever is reading it. This ultimately pushes you to understand (more or less) what it tries to analyze.

It doesn't seem that it will tie up loose ends at any point in the work, which leaves you a bit on standby. Nevertheless, it is entertaining.

The author's approach of engaging the reader in a thought-provoking process is quite interesting. Through the use of various methods such as doubt and reflection, the reader is led to explore different aspects of the philosophical concepts being presented.

Although the lack of clear resolutions may initially be frustrating, it also encourages the reader to think more deeply and form their own opinions. Overall, despite its heaviness, the work has its charm and can be a rewarding read for those interested in analytic philosophy.

This is truly the best, most enjoyable, and direct non-contemporary philosophy work available.

It has a unique charm that allows for a linear reading experience, which can be quite beneficial in understanding the overall concepts and arguments. However, what makes it even more special is that you can randomly pick up any section of it and still find great enjoyment.

The text is filled with moments of hilarity that add an unexpected and delightful element to the philosophical exploration.

It manages to combine deep philosophical insights with a light-hearted and engaging writing style, making it accessible and entertaining for a wide range of readers.

Whether you are a philosophy enthusiast or simply looking for something different and interesting to read, this work is sure to capture your attention and provide hours of thought-provoking entertainment.

I truly desire to have an affinity for Wittgenstein. There exists a certain myth within my mind that he harbors some remarkable philosophies. Ever since I initially became cognizant of his Tractatus and his Philosophical Investigations, he has elicited a modicum of reverence from me. This was the first complete work of his that I have perused.

However, I did not deem this work to be overly profound or insightful. Perhaps I am insufficiently acquainted with his previous oeuvre, thereby causing me to miss certain connections. I am of the belief that there is a subtleness to the questions he poses to himself that is either lost in the translation or could be related to his earlier philosophical endeavors. Additionally, I am not as well-versed as he is in the intricate details of logic, realism/idealism, and epistemology, which are the focal points of his thought. The book could have benefited from a more thorough refinement, as a significant portion of it is repetitive.

Nevertheless, it is evident that he is engaged in a fierce struggle against and delving deeply into a challenging topic. It is patently clear that he approaches this task with great seriousness and wields a considerable intellect. I rated this book higher than I might have otherwise, as it offers a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a philosopher at work in an almost unfiltered state. In fact, I do feel a certain amount of respect for him as he grapples with such a difficult concept and makes an earnest effort to address what appears to be an insoluble problem.

It is truly amazing. Wittgenstein, in his attempt to convey his point, seems to go in circles to some extent. However, it should be noted that these are his notes or journal entries. Despite this circularity, this work still ranks among my favorite books of all time. The ideas and thoughts presented within its pages are so profound and thought-provoking that they have left an indelible mark on my mind. Each time I revisit it, I discover something new and gain a deeper understanding of the complex philosophical concepts Wittgenstein was grappling with. It is a book that challenges the reader to think outside the box and question their assumptions, and for that, I am truly grateful.

You can understand the whole book by reading any random 10 pages. This statement seems rather bold and perhaps a bit too simplistic. How can one truly claim that such a small portion of a book can provide a comprehensive understanding of the entire work? It's like saying you can understand a complex machine by looking at just a few of its parts.

Update (10/11/22): A reviewer writes "You can understand the whole book by reading any random 10 pages"--I think such a claim cannot be further from the truth. This book reads as if Wittgenstein is grasping at something that he is not sure how he can (whether he may?) say. The attentive reader must look beneath the remarks to try and uncover (disclose) the insight at which he is grasping. I take the insight to be that the logic of justification does not run independent of our practices, both discursive and non-discursive. Nor does the notion of "practice" sit beside, above, or under logic or epistemology. Rather, it is the lifeblood of it, the animating principle. There is no making sense of justification, or of logic (the organon of justification) in abstraction from practice. And insofar as justification ("truth conditions") are essential to "meaning", one cannot understand meaning in abstraction from practice.

It is clear that the reviewer has a different perspective on the claim. They believe that the book requires a more in-depth examination and that the true understanding lies beneath the surface. The reviewer argues that the relationship between justification, logic, and practice is complex and intertwined. Justification cannot be understood without considering the context of our practices, and meaning is also closely tied to this relationship. In conclusion, while the initial claim may seem appealing, it is important to approach it with a critical eye and consider the deeper implications.

This was a wierd book, but I liked it... Kinda.

The thing with this book that made me dislike it a bit was the amount of repeating. It was truly ridiculous. There were passages that seemed to be repeated over and over again, which made it a bit tiresome to read.

However, on the other hand, it was well written. Really well written. The language was precise and the ideas were presented in a clear and concise manner.

I don't think that this book is for everyone. It is not for the people who have passion in their certainty. Like me. It felt unnatural when I tried to reflect in the kind of way he tried to make me to reflect.

And I can be honest about me skipping some pages because of the repeating. But the good thing about it is that you can go to most pages and just start from the page you skipped to. It was well done by Wittgenstein and the people who translated it. Overall, it was a good book.

Despite its flaws, it still managed to offer some valuable insights and make me think in ways that I hadn't before. It's not a book that I would recommend to just anyone, but for those who are willing to put in the effort and wade through the repeating, it can be a rewarding read.

[Ludwig Wittgenstein is truly a remarkable philosopher, and I have the utmost admiration for his profound insights and unique approach to philosophy.] I love these little interludes that give us a peek behind the curtain. Wittgenstein's words are like precious gems that sparkle with wisdom. For example, he said, "[I do philosophy now like an old woman who is always mislaying something and having to look for it again: now her spectacles, now her keys.]" This vivid image shows his humility and the process of his philosophical exploration. Another excerpt that caught my attention is, "[I believe it might interest a philosopher, one who can think himself, to read my notes. For even if I have hit the mark only rarely, he would recognize what targets I had been ceaselessly aiming at.]" It reveals his confidence in the value of his work. And let's not forget, "[Pretensions are a mortgage which burdens a philosopher's capacity to think.]" This statement reminds us to stay true to the essence of philosophy and avoid unnecessary distractions.

My favorite excerpts also include many profound thoughts. Wittgenstein said, "If you do know that here is one hand, we'll grant you all the rest." This simple sentence challenges our understanding of knowledge and certainty. He also said, "What is 'learning a rule'? - This. What is 'making a mistake in applying it'? - This. And what is pointed to here is something indeterminate." This makes us think about the nature of rules and how we apply them. Additionally, he said, "When someone has made sure of something, he says: 'Yes, the calculation is right', but he did not infer that from his condition of certainty. One does not infer how things are from one's own certainty." This statement questions the relationship between certainty and inference.

Wittgenstein's ideas are complex and thought-provoking. They force us to reexamine our assumptions and beliefs about language, knowledge, and reality. His work has had a profound impact on philosophy and continues to inspire new generations of thinkers. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to study his ideas and gain a deeper understanding of the world around us.

This review will be nonsense if we aren't playing the same language game.

Language is the key to effective communication and understanding. When we engage in a review, it is essential that both the reviewer and the reader are on the same page in terms of language.

If there are misunderstandings or misinterpretations due to differences in language usage or vocabulary, the review loses its value and becomes meaningless.

To ensure that the review is clear and understandable, it is important to use simple and concise language that is familiar to the intended audience.

We should also avoid using jargon or technical terms that may not be understood by everyone.

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By playing the same language game, we can ensure that our reviews are meaningful and helpful to others.

An incredibly hypnotic text, which is partly due to its repetitive note form.

Often, sentences are constructed quickly, and examples are repeated, with the main point being laboured perpetually.

This is not a fault of Wittgenstein. These are posthumous tracts taken from extended considerations in his notebooks. These considerations seem especially sparked by Moore's (annoying) essay Proof of an External World and the less annoying A Defence of Common Sense.

That said, although Moore is often the subject of intrigue, (endearing) criticism, and some praise, I'm not sure On Certainty really rests on this engagement with Moore. Moore just seems like a character around which it is centred.

The main point is that doubt cannot get off the ground if it is global. If you are so sceptical that you say you cannot know if you are in a dream, then the foundations of your own doubt become undermined and senseless.

If you doubt everything, how do you know your own words are consistent? Doubt always comes after belief, or "knowing", never prior. "The game of doubting itself presupposes certainty." (§115).

Though these are notes and they aren't particularly refined, in some way what Wittgenstein is getting at is made more clear by its rough sketchy exegesis here.

Repeatedly, you can see where he's gesturing, a bit like squinting for a bird your friend points to in the distance.

Overall, this is very good. It should be required reading alongside Descartes and alongside anyone who wishes to punish themselves with reading Moore's External World essay.

The ideas expounded in this book were truly outstanding.

However, I felt compelled to award it four stars as they couldn't be showcased in their optimal form (certainly not blaming anyone, especially not Wittgenstein).

This book is a posthumous compilation of Wittgenstein's notes intended for his next published work.

Given the circumstances, I don't believe this book could have been improved upon. It is extremely fascinating to catch a glimpse of the inner workings of LW's mind.

Regrettably, it is not a refined, coherent book.

My friend Ana presented me with this book as a gift. She is a German student majoring in philosophy and has a particular affinity for Wittgenstein.

One of my most cherished memories of Ana is learning from her how to pronounce this man's name correctly. :) (It took some time.)

Overall, despite its flaws, this book offers valuable insights into Wittgenstein's thoughts and is a must-read for those interested in philosophy.

Lucid--

This is a slim little book titled On Certainty that Wittgenstein penned towards the end of his life. It is presented in his characteristic numbered succinct paragraphs, which makes it both accessible and thought-provoking. The book is a response to G.E. Moore's landmark articles on the proof of the external world. Wittgenstein argues that doubt has its limits. He uses various analogies, such as the web or system of beliefs and the riverbed analogy, to explain his ideas. The riverbed analogy is particularly illuminating, as it shows how some thoughts/beliefs/values harden into a fixed background that makes communication, thinking, and even doubting possible, yet this background can also shift over time.

Wittgenstein also makes two important related points. First, if you keep doubting, you eventually reach the foundation of the "language game" where there are propositions that are not justified. Second, at the bottom of this system is action, or beliefs as shown by actions. Another striking claim is that if you allow for the certainty of mathematical propositions, you must also do the same for empirical propositions. What I appreciate about Wittgenstein's way of thinking is his embrace of fuzziness. He acknowledges that there is no sharp boundary between the propositions of the language game and those that are less certain. Overall, On Certainty is a great starting point for anyone interested in the ideas of one of the philosophical giants of the 20th century.