Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 99 votes)
5 stars
40(40%)
4 stars
29(29%)
3 stars
30(30%)
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99 reviews
July 15,2025
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Would it be extremely weird of me if I said it was a 'fun' read?

As much as saying this amuses me, this was a really funny book, and I mean in a very positive and serious way.

First thing Wittgenstein does to you, from the outset, is tear apart your cozy little way of thinking, and 'knowing'. I'll never 'know' anything the way I've known before, or at least I'll think a second more before I say I'm certain of something.

Next, as you read and re-read and re-re-read almost every other sentence, you'll start getting used to his brusque narration. You'll instantly feel more respect for yourself for putting up and sailing through the initial acclimatising bout of offhand and crazy philosophical quagmire.

But you forgive him for it starts as a response to a paper by Moore. Now since you're used to his language and style (well as used as you possibly could be), you begin to really enjoy what he's trying to say.

And once you reach there, it's all wonderful. You'll find that his ideas open up new perspectives and make you think deeply about the nature of knowledge, certainty, and language.

The book may seem challenging at first, but the effort is well worth it. It's a unique and thought-provoking read that will stay with you long after you've finished it.
July 15,2025
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I don't understand most of it, although it is about one idea approximately. I need someone to sit with me and explain this stuff to me, by God. I hope I read something else by Wittgenstein and understand it, or go back and read it again and understand the rest.

Wittgenstein's works can be quite challenging, especially for those who are new to his ideas. The language he uses is often complex and requires careful study and analysis.

It is not uncommon to feel confused or lost when reading his texts. However, with patience and perseverance, it is possible to gain a better understanding of his philosophy.

One way to approach Wittgenstein's works is to read them slowly and carefully, taking the time to思考 each sentence and its meaning. Another option is to seek out commentaries or explanations by other scholars who have studied his work in depth.

By doing so, you can gain additional insights and perspectives that may help you to better understand his ideas.
July 15,2025
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I have a deep affection for Wittgenstein. There are many reasons for this, but if I had to single out one, it would be his pithy writing style. His words are like precious gems, concise yet profound, capable of cutting through the clutter and getting straight to the heart of the matter.

Additionally, I find his ideas extremely helpful when it comes to thinking through my research data. In particular, his exploration of the relationship between certainty, uncertainty, and the production of knowledge has provided me with a new perspective and a valuable framework for analysis.

Even if you haven't read his masterpiece, Philosophical Investigations, I would highly recommend giving Wittgenstein a try. His work has the potential to transform the way you think about language, philosophy, and the world around you. It is truly worth the effort.
July 15,2025
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This is like that one time I took Adderall.

I remember it vividly. It was a day when I had a huge workload and needed to stay focused and productive. I had heard about the effects of Adderall and thought it might give me the boost I needed.

So, I took the pill and waited for the effects to kick in. At first, I didn't feel much different. But then, gradually, I started to feel more alert and focused. My mind seemed to be working at a faster pace, and I was able to get through my work with ease.

However, I also noticed some side effects. I felt a bit jittery and had trouble sleeping that night. But overall, I was impressed with the way Adderall had helped me. It made me realize how powerful these drugs can be and how important it is to use them responsibly.

Since then, I haven't taken Adderall again. I've learned that there are other ways to stay focused and productive, such as getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly. But that one experience with Adderall will always stay with me.
July 15,2025
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467. I am sitting in the garden with a philosopher.

He repeatedly says "I know that that is a tree" while pointing to a tree in our vicinity.

Someone comes and sits down and hears this, and I say to him: "This man is not crazy. We are just philosophizing."

Philosophizing often involves exploring and questioning fundamental concepts and ideas.

In this situation, the philosopher's repeated assertion of "I know that that is a tree" might seem odd to an outsider.

However, within the context of philosophical inquiry, it could be a way of examining the nature of knowledge, perception, and certainty.

By making such a statement, the philosopher may be inviting further discussion and analysis about how we come to know things and what constitutes valid knowledge.

As for me, I understand the philosopher's intention and try to explain to the newcomer that this is just part of our philosophical exploration.

We are engaging in a process of thinking deeply and critically about the world around us, even if it may appear strange or unusual to others.

July 15,2025
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My name is Avery.

To be honest, I've never had the opportunity to visit the moon. It remains a distant and mysterious place in my imagination.

Right now, there is a tree standing tall and proud in front of me. Its branches sway gently in the breeze, as if it is whispering secrets of nature.

Interestingly, many people often misread our boy Ludwig. They might misunderstand his actions or intentions, but that's just the way it is.

So, here's a thought: who wants to play a game with me? Maybe it could be a game of hide and seek among the trees or a simple game of tag. It would be a great way to have some fun and pass the time. What do you think?
July 15,2025
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Facing multitudinous uncertainties as of late, I reached for philosophy to stem the tide of despair.

On Certainty, perhaps, was not the appropriate book to reach for. I remember why I had originally given it three stars four years ago. They are the notes of W on various strands of incomplete thoughts about as many aspects of certainty as he could think of, which means they were written in an aphoristic-style.

This is more me than W. I loathe aphorisms. It's not that I despise terseness. It's that theories presented in aphorisms (or aphoristic-like) create an imbalance between the philosopher/writer and the reader. I enjoy philosophy when it lays no absolute claim (how can it) and invites questions upon the reader/student. Aphorisms, by their very nature, assume a pre-established and complete theory that the reader/student must aim towards without a clear understanding of its import or implications. It makes me feel that the presentation is not theoretical but smug and sanctimonious indoctrination.

But this is not what W intended. Clearly, these are his notes, not fleshed out. They are wayward and challenging, obvious and lead nowhere, contradictory and compound upon each other, brilliant without explanation because they aren't fleshed out.

With this realisation, I was able to let go of my immediate aversion to this note-taking style. I found ways to re-read ideas on their own merit without assuming that W had a clearer understanding than I do. Instead of teasing out every idea, I allowed them to assimilate and flourish. And yet, there were real moments of great insights that I must have missed the first time.

For those interested in W, I highly encourage you to read On Certainty. I believe others will get more out of this book than I could. Maybe in a third reading in another four years, I can get even more. Here's to hoping.
July 15,2025
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At times, it can be tough.

The challenges it presents seem insurmountable, leaving one feeling frustrated and defeated.

At other times, it is perplexing.

The complexity and ambiguity make it difficult to understand and make sense of.

And yet, there are also moments when it is dull.

The repetition and lack of excitement can make it seem uninteresting and tiresome.

This is all about language.

It's not strictly about epistemology, but rather there is a kind of vague epistemic conjecture lurking in the undertones.

It looks like a soliloquy, a one-sided conversation with oneself.

But despite all of this, it is still a wonderful little masterpiece.

It has a certain charm and beauty that draws the reader in and keeps them engaged, even when it is at its most difficult or dull.
July 15,2025
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Wittgenstein in this book explains the most astonishing ideas with the simplest and easiest words.

The experience of reading this book, besides being astonishing, is accompanied by the thought process of one of the geniuses of the twentieth century.

In this book, we are not faced with the philosophical results and discussions that the philosopher has arrived at, but rather with the way of thinking, excitements, and perhaps contradictions of the thought process.

Some critics recognize this work as the third period of Wittgenstein's philosophy, with an emphasis on epistemology.

I suggest reading the book "Belief without Proof" by Mina Hojat along with this book.
July 15,2025
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I was truly filled with pride when I read this book.

Not only did I manage to read it, but I also understood it to a certain extent, or at least grasped the essence of it.

This book is small in size, which makes it an excellent choice as a starting point for delving into the world of philosophy.

It presents profound ideas in a concise and accessible manner, allowing readers like me to gain valuable insights without feeling overwhelmed.

The simplicity of its format makes it easy to pick up and read at any time, whether during a short break or before going to bed.

Overall, I am extremely satisfied with this book and would highly recommend it to anyone interested in exploring the field of philosophy.

It has opened my eyes to new ways of thinking and has inspired me to further expand my knowledge in this area.

I look forward to reading more books like this in the future and continuing my journey of intellectual growth.
July 15,2025
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More Wittgenstein!


Ludwig Wittgenstein is a highly influential philosopher. His works have had a profound impact on various fields of philosophy. Wittgenstein's ideas are complex and often require in-depth study and reflection. His approach to philosophy was unique, challenging traditional ways of thinking. He emphasized the importance of language and its role in shaping our understanding of the world. Wittgenstein's later works, in particular, focused on the idea that language is a form of life and that our concepts and meanings are embedded in our practices and forms of life. His philosophy continues to be studied and debated by philosophers around the world, and his ideas have inspired new generations of thinkers. We need more Wittgenstein to further explore the depths of his philosophy and to apply his insights to contemporary issues.

July 15,2025
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A brilliant piece of philosophy indeed.

These are the profound notes of Wittgenstein as he endeavors to grapple with the problem presented by Moore. The statement 'I know this is my hand' - is it truly sufficient evidence for the existence of the external world? Wittgenstein meticulously clarifies his concept of Sprachspiel, elucidating what the rules of this game are and precisely why such a remark cannot be neatly slotted within the game.

It is the work of a genius in its rawest and unedited form (complete with some rather hilarious side notes). This account offers a very personal perspective on what philosophy signified for this great Austrian thinker.

Wittgenstein's exploration delves deep into the nature of language, knowledge, and the very fabric of our understanding of the world around us. His thoughts challenge us to reexamine our assumptions and to question the boundaries of what we consider to be valid proof and knowledge.

It is a captivating and thought-provoking piece that continues to inspire and influence philosophers and thinkers to this day.
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