Wittgenstein's connection between knowledge, certainty, and doubt is truly brilliant.

He effectively dismantles all idealism and both epistemological and ontological skepticism by showing that the claim "there are physical objects" is nonsense. This is because the claim is stipulative or tautological and not empirical. There are no grounds, or criteria, to demonstrate its truth or falsity. At first glance, this might seem absurd. Don't we want the existence of physical objects to be empirically true? However, Wittgenstein then goes on to show that beliefs can only be justified up to a certain point. Besides language games and human activity, there is no "final justification."

If someone doubts their own existence in real life, we would or should not provide them with evidence for it. Instead, we should act as if they misunderstood the very language they were using. This is because, at the foundation, there are beliefs (which are ultimately tautologies) that the rest of language presupposes in order to engage in language. In other words, to doubt these kinds of things would be equivalent to doubting the meanings of words, which is nonsense since words are defined tautologically.

Knowledge implies the possibility of mistake or error. Doubt is the state that corresponds to the belief in a mistake. I think certainty is a presupposition for knowledge.

This is the first complete book of Wittgenstein's that I have read. For a long time, I was deterred by the mystique of its impenetrability. However, I found this book to be very good, engaging, and an easier read than I had expected. I don't claim to have understood all the subtleties, but what I read seemed clear - certainly clearer than many other philosophy books discussing topics such as language, logic, and knowledge. (To be honest, reading an analysis of the book in advance definitely helped.)

I enjoy the process of seeing Wittgenstein's thinking evolve. The book seems to be as much about himself clarifying his own thoughts. At times it is tentative, while in others it is definite.

The translation is excellent, although the repeated use of the archaic word "shew" grated on me. This is not a modern translation, but it's less than 100 years old - so why translate from German in this way? If there is some subtlety I'm missing, please let me know. (It's also inconsistent as in 618 "show" is used.) A very minor point, but I am flawed by occasional pedantry!

To enjoy this book, you have to be interested in the topics Wittgenstein is interested in. If you are and haven't read this, I would definitely recommend it.

Updated review 2021: My journey into philosophy is ongoing, and I have read more by and about Wittgenstein, who is both an intriguing character and has written many intriguing works. I suspect this is one of his most accessible. At times, it seems no more than musings, Wittgenstein's developing thoughts over a period of time as he ponders on knowledge and certainty. As is so often the case with Wittgenstein, he explores these concepts through the "language game". I really like this work, although I can imagine that for some it would come across as no more than trivial half-baked thinking. I think there is more to it than that, but it's not about a finished set of thoughts - it's thinking in development and is most interesting for being so.

I believe that this particular book most vividly showcases Wittgenstein's creative genius to the contemporary reader. In contrast, a significant portion of his other works has already become highly influential and mainstream.

Essentially, this book presents his perspective on the skeptic-realist debate, which he addresses in a Wittgensteinian manner by undermining the very foundation of the question. That is, what does it truly mean to "know"? In Wittgenstein's view, it simply refers to how we utilize this concept within the diverse range of contexts where we do and do not, and whether these usages in any way imply the same ideas. Anyway, part 4 is where the essence lies.

Reading this book requires a certain degree of discipline and the ability to retain ideas for extended periods until he further develops them, perhaps on the next page or maybe in the next part. It is an (often repetitive) exposition of a set of notes that reveals a great deal yet concludes relatively little.

This book offers a unique and profound exploration of Wittgenstein's thoughts, challenging readers to engage with his ideas and consider the nature of knowledge and language in a new light.

Reading Ludwig Wittgenstein is a profound and thought-provoking experience. It consists of a series of moments that make one deeply contemplate language and its true significance. The difference between 'I think there is a tree' and 'there's a tree' is vast, as if an entire universe can fit within that distinction. At least, this is the case in the world of Wittgenstein. For me, I 'think' I understand Wittgenstein to some extent. However, the lasting impression he has left on me as a writer is the importance of writing as clearly as possible, while still maintaining the poetics within a specific description.

Wittgenstein serves as my source of inspiration and a means to exercise my brain in a natural way. Unlike reading the tweets of a certain idiot in a building in Washington DC, which can be rather unenlightening, Wittgenstein's works are like a refreshing spring of water. \\"On Certainty\\" is a later work of Wittgenstein, and its title is an exact and accurate description of the book. In this work, Wittgenstein challenges the concept of certainty through language and perception. What is often considered as given knowledge in theory is questioned by Wittgenstein's observations on what certainty truly means to an individual or even a group.

I purchased this book at John K. King Books in Detroit, Michigan. I began reading \\"On Certainty\\" in a coffee shop located in the New Center district of Detroit, specifically in the Fisher Building. The juxtaposition of reading this challenging book within the splendid structure of the Fisher Building added an extra layer of pleasure for me. The thought of me 'being' there, or thinking I was there, was an actual thought in my head as I was fully aware that I was truly at the Fisher Building, engrossed in reading Wittgenstein's \\"On Certainty.\\"

Although epistemology isn't my most well-studied area of philosophy, I truly relished this exploration. It's a piece that I will undoubtedly read multiple times. I derived great pleasure from it, and Wittgenstein has now likely become one of my favorite philosophers. His work is somehow both complex and simple simultaneously. Some of his more profound concepts were so straightforward that they were simply elegant. It's fascinating how he could present such deep ideas in a seemingly uncomplicated manner. The way he approaches knowledge and understanding is both thought-provoking and engaging. I look forward to delving deeper into his philosophy and uncovering more of the gems that lie within.

Premalo prideva is a term that may not be widely known to everyone. It could potentially refer to a specific concept, idea, or situation that is perhaps unique or not commonly discussed.

However, without further context, it becomes difficult to fully understand its exact meaning and implications. It might be something that is relevant within a particular field, culture, or group of people.

Maybe it represents a feeling of inadequacy or a lack of something important. Or perhaps it is related to a behavior or attitude that is considered inappropriate or insufficient.

In order to gain a more comprehensive understanding of premalo prideva, it would be beneficial to explore its origin, usage, and any associated examples or explanations. This could help to shed light on its true significance and how it relates to different aspects of life.

Overall, while premalo prideva may seem like an enigmatic term at first glance, further investigation and exploration can potentially uncover its hidden meaning and importance.

What can we be certain of?

The only thing Wittgenstein is certain of is that there's something fishy about philosopher G.E. Moore's assertions such as "I know that that's a tree" or "I know that here is a hand" or "I know that I have never been far above the earth's surface." Wittgenstein is terribly perturbed by these statements, yet he doesn't quite know why.

It has something to do with the fact that only philosophers ever make such statements. The rest of us "know" such things by simply behaving as if they were true. Thus, it seems that his gripe is more linguistic than epistemological.

That is, for all his puzzling over such statements, he seems actually unconcerned about whether we truly can be certain about anything. He's more concerned about what makes sense to say. And he's very, very concerned about this and very, very dissatisfied with his own attempts to formulate any rules for what's sensibly said.

Reading Wittgenstein's year-and-a-half (last of his life) struggle with Moore's assertions is like observing someone who's trying to remember the answer to a crossword clue. He knows the answer – or he once knew it – but he can't quite recall it. He answers all the surrounding clues. He's got three out of eight of the letters – now four. But he just can't complete the puzzle.

Wittgenstein's ultimately fruitless pursuit has its lovely and curious moments. It's somehow endearing, not to mention instructive, to see him in the trenches, sleeves rolled up, at work to the end.

If you got pissed after Descartes,

it might be because of his complex philosophical ideas. Descartes is a renowned philosopher who made significant contributions to the field of philosophy. His famous statement "I think, therefore I am" has had a profound impact on the way we think about ourselves and the world. However, his ideas can be quite challenging to understand, especially for those who are new to philosophy. Some people might get frustrated or pissed when they try to grapple with his concepts and theories. They might feel that his ideas are too abstract or that they don't make sense in the real world. But it's important to remember that philosophy is a discipline that requires deep thinking and reflection. It's not always easy to understand, but the effort is well worth it. By studying Descartes and other philosophers, we can gain a better understanding of ourselves and the world around us. So, if you got pissed after Descartes, don't give up. Keep reading, keep thinking, and you might just discover something new and exciting.

I will not be able to use "I know" in my vocabulary without first questioning my statement's certainty a hundred times. Would I be certain of my knowledge then? I might not be.

Wittgenstein, in this book, presents short philosophical and linguistic reflections on "knowing" as a response to G. E. Moore's 1939 paper, “Proof of an External World”. He urges us to emphasize "I believe" rather than "I know" whenever we "don't know". This is because when we think we "believe" and say that we "know", we are actually admitting that we "believe" because, in reality, we "don't know". There is simply no way of truly "knowing" certain things.

Does this make sense? If it does, Wittgenstein won't disappoint you. His ideas challenge our common understanding of knowledge and force us to reevaluate the certainty with which we claim to know things. By highlighting the importance of belief and the limitations of knowledge, he encourages us to approach our understanding of the world with a healthy dose of skepticism and humility.

I know that I have a liking for "On Certainty." However, to simply state this is to engage in the proper playing of the language game, rather than making a definitive statement of fact. Of this, I can be certain, yet not truly know. I can be wrong in my belief, but still hold onto it firmly.

This book often gives the impression of being a direct collision between the realm of philosophy and the ordinary, everyday life. It delves into what we are able to say and the implications that these statements carry within various contexts. These contexts are ones that can never be precisely defined or pinned down. It is almost as if we are witnessing what would occur if an AI computer were to experience a mental breakdown. Truly, it is remarkable and thought-provoking stuff that makes one question the very nature of our understanding and the limitations of language in expressing our certainties and uncertainties.

Overall, "On Certainty" offers a unique and challenging perspective that forces us to reevaluate our assumptions and beliefs about the world around us and our place within it.

Amazing book! It is much easier to read than his other works. After reading this, I have had a significant change in my perception. I no longer take people's words as literal as before. Strangely enough, I have also been able to win more arguments after reading this book. I was not expecting this outcome at all. This book seems to have opened my eyes and given me a new perspective on communication and understanding. It has taught me to look beyond the surface and consider the deeper meanings and intentions behind people's words. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to improve their communication skills and gain a better understanding of human behavior.

This is one of my all-time favorite books.

It delves into the realm of certainty from a strictly entomological perspective.

Unlike many other works, it refrains from introducing any element of belief or disbelief into the equation.

This unique approach is something that I have not come across frequently.

The book offers a fascinating exploration of the insect world, presenting facts and information in a clear and engaging manner.

It allows readers to gain a deeper understanding of the certainties that exist within the entomological field.

Whether you are an entomology enthusiast or simply someone with an interest in the natural world, this book is sure to captivate and educate.

It provides a refreshing take on a subject that is often overlooked or misrepresented.

Overall, it is a must-read for anyone looking to expand their knowledge and appreciation of the insect kingdom.