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99 reviews
July 15,2025
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This is the best distillation of these extremely difficult concepts that I have ever read.

It is truly remarkable how the author has managed to simplify and clarify such complex ideas.

The way in which the concepts are presented makes it possible for the reader to gain a better understanding of them.

I find myself longing to be able to speak about these concepts with the same level of clarity and precision as the author.

It is as if the author has opened up a new world of understanding for me.

I am truly grateful for having come across this piece of writing.

It has inspired me to further explore these difficult concepts and to strive for a deeper understanding of them.

I highly recommend this article to anyone who is interested in these topics.
July 15,2025
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Wittgenstein : A Very Short Introduction (1988) by A.C. Grayling offers an engaging introduction to the life and work of Ludwig Wittgenstein. Grayling, a renowned academic philosopher, brings his expertise to this concise volume.

The book commences with a concise biography of Wittgenstein, situating him within the historical context. Wittgenstein's life was truly extraordinary. His father was among the wealthiest individuals in Europe, and luminaries like Brahms and Mahler performed concerts for the family. Intriguingly, he attended the same school as Hitler. He also served in World War One and, at one point, worked as a teacher, though he may have physically assaulted one of his eleven-year-old students.

The text features two extensive chapters dedicated to Wittgenstein's philosophy. The first explores his early philosophy and the Tractatus, while the second delves into his later philosophical musings. Finally, there is a chapter that examines the profound impact of Wittgenstein.

Presenting a brief introduction to Wittgenstein and the intricacies of his ideas regarding language and philosophy is no easy feat. Grayling has显然 immersed himself in the study of Wittgenstein, having read and contemplated his works extensively. Moreover, he is a talented writer who makes a valiant effort to convey the essence of Wittgenstein's thoughts.

This short introduction to Wittgenstein may indeed raise more questions than it answers, but it is无疑 a worthwhile read for those interested in delving into the mind of this influential philosopher.
July 15,2025
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When I was younger, I delved into some of Wittgenstein's works. For me, he is not only a great poet but so much more.

In the institutional context, he might not be regarded as a central figure or a traditional philosopher. However, I have a deep appreciation for Wittgenstein because of his remarkable intuitive genius.

His ideas and thoughts have the power to challenge and inspire. They offer a unique perspective on language, logic, and the nature of reality.

Wittgenstein's work forces us to question our assumptions and look at the world in a new light. It is this ability to stimulate our minds and expand our understanding that makes him truly special.

Despite not fitting neatly into the established academic framework, his contributions to philosophy and beyond are significant and should not be overlooked.

Wittgenstein's intuitive genius continues to have a profound impact on those who take the time to explore his works.
July 15,2025
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Jammer maar helaas, volgens mij ben ik hier te dom voor.

It's really a pity. However, unfortunately, in my opinion, I am too stupid for this place.

I feel that I just can't seem to keep up with the pace or understand the things that are going on around me.

Maybe it's because I lack certain knowledge or skills, or perhaps it's just my own inadequacy.

But no matter what the reason is, I can't help but feel a sense of frustration and disappointment.

I keep trying to figure things out and improve myself, but it seems like I'm always one step behind.

I hope that one day I will be able to overcome my shortcomings and prove to myself that I am not as stupid as I think.

Until then, I will continue to work hard and not give up easily.
July 15,2025
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Wittgenstein is steadily becoming one of my favourite philosophers.

His unique approach to philosophy and profound insights have truly captivated my interest.

This excellent introduction serves as a wonderful starting point for delving deeper into his ideas.

It provides a clear and accessible overview of his key concepts, making it easier for beginners like me to understand his complex work.

Wittgenstein's emphasis on language and its role in shaping our understanding of the world is particularly fascinating.

His exploration of the limits of language and the nature of meaning has opened up new avenues of thought for me.

As I continue to study his work, I am confident that I will gain a greater appreciation for his philosophical contributions.

This introduction has definitely piqued my curiosity and motivated me to learn more about Wittgenstein and his philosophy.

I look forward to uncovering the many hidden gems that lie within his writings and further expanding my knowledge in this area.
July 15,2025
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Kitap orijinalinde bir giriş kitabı olarak geçse de tam olarak bir giriş kitabının gereklerini yerine getirememiş.

Öncelikle, düşünürün serüvenindeki temel mevzuları açmak ve etkilerini tartışmak yerine yazarın seçtiği bazı konulara çok fazla fokuslanıyor. Özellikle ikinci kısımda, yazarın sesi çok belirgin olarak duyuluyor. Örneğin, Grayling "Kısaca Benim Wittgensteinım" derseydi kitabın adı daha makul olurmuş gibi görünmektedir.

Erken dönem Wittgenstein'ı iyi toparlasa da geç dönem Wittgenstein kısmında Grayling'in Wittgenstein'a karşı çok sert bir sesi duyuluyor. Burada ise isabetsiz yorumlar başlamaktadır. Ayrıca, Wittgenstein'ın çalışmalarına analitik yaklaşma çabası da etik ve din felsefesi meselelerinden uzaklaştırıp, kuru bir valid-invalid argüman okumasından başka bir yere çıkmamıştır. Belki de Wittgenstein'ın kemikleri bu Viyanacılar yüzünden sızlıyor.

Sonuç kısmında da Grayling, Wittgenstein 20. yüzyılın önemli düşünürlerinden biri değildir diyerek, okuyucuya biraz şaşırtıcı bir söylemde bulunuyor.
July 15,2025
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The author does an excellent job of making the seemingly incredibly complex and terse philosophy of Wittgenstein accessible to the readers.

Not only that, but there is also a dedicated chapter on Wittgenstein's life, which adds another layer of depth to the overall understanding.

Wittgenstein was truly a fascinating person, with his wild and unorthodox ideas that challenged the traditional norms of philosophy.

His unique perspective and way of thinking have had a profound impact on the field of philosophy and continue to be studied and debated to this day.

The author's ability to present Wittgenstein's philosophy and life in an engaging and understandable manner is truly commendable.

It allows readers who may not have a background in philosophy to gain a better appreciation and understanding of this important thinker.

Overall, this is a great read for anyone interested in philosophy or the life of Wittgenstein.
July 15,2025
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If you ask me, if you don't read analytic philosophy and especially Wittgenstein as the most influential analytic thinker, you don't know philosophy. Even if you don't ask, the fact is that now in the Wittgensteinian era, academic thinking is on the rise. Just like any other great thinker who has transformed the thought after them, today, at the most serious academic level, thought is under the influence of great contemporary philosophers, and one of them, and by far the most important, is Wittgenstein. Although previous philosophies still continue to have their effects, one cannot consider oneself informed about the currents without being aware of the latest sharp effects of thought. Therefore, to the extent that you want to study philosophy, read Wittgenstein.

This book is written extremely simply and concisely and has a very smooth translation.

The collection of short introductions to... Oxford, the more I read, the better they were one by one. This book was also of the first degree like the other books in the collection. In any field that you are interested in studying, if a book from this collection has been written on that topic, don't hesitate to read it. Both the translation and the preferences in the original language.
July 15,2025
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A very concise, skeptical, and rather dense summary of Wittgenstein's early and later works is presented.

I found it both interesting and informative. However, I'm glad I had read some of Wittgenstein's writings prior to this.

Nonetheless, I tend to share the author's skepticism towards Wittgenstein. I perceive Wittgenstein as being imprecise and at times mystical, which makes me impatient.

Nevertheless, the language of this book isn't likely to win any awards. My "favorite" sentence is as follows:
The fact that almost anyone, including those working in fields other than philosophy, can extract quotations from Wittgenstein's texts for a wide range of purposes, sometimes even opposing ones, should serve as a warning to would-be imitators. To become a source for aphorism hunters from all corners is a strong indication that one has failed in a major responsibility: namely, to be clear.

Although I do agree with the expressed opinion, the brevity of this book somewhat offsets its density.
July 15,2025
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Grayling provides a good introduction to his thought, which makes his commentary easy to read and follow.

His work seems to be one of the popular starting points for the postmodern interest in the nature of language.

This is significant as it offers a valuable entry point for those exploring the complex and diverse field of postmodern thought.

By presenting his ideas in a clear and accessible manner, Grayling allows readers to engage with his work and gain a better understanding of the role of language in postmodern theory.

Whether one is a scholar or simply interested in the subject, Grayling's introduction provides a solid foundation for further exploration and study.

Overall, his work is an important contribution to the ongoing conversation about the nature of language and its significance in postmodern thought.
July 15,2025
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As a very short introduction, it falls short of being simple enough to be easily understood by the general public.

When considered as a historical narrative of Wittgenstein, it underemphasizes his historical significance.

In the context of Wittgensteinian scholarship, it neglects to interact with relevant secondary resources and does not adhere to the principle of charity in its critiques.

However, it should be noted that Grayling does not misinterpret Wittgenstein, which is a challenging feat in itself.

Consequently, he is able to introduce the philosophy, albeit not the philosopher, in a rather decent manner.

Overall, while there are certain不足之处 in this work, Grayling's accomplishment in presenting Wittgenstein's philosophy cannot be overlooked.
July 15,2025
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Fav quotes (not a review):


"Wittgenstein himself was gifted with a fine musical sensibility. This remarkable individual had an innate ability to perceive and appreciate the beauty and nuances of music. In his adult life, he took it upon himself to learn to play the clarinet. It was no easy feat, but Wittgenstein was determined. Through hard work and dedication, he was able to master this instrument. However, his most striking musical talent was his ability to whistle entire scores from memory. This was an extraordinary feat that left those around him in awe. It showed not only his incredible musical memory but also his deep understanding and connection to the music. Wittgenstein's musical abilities were just one aspect of his multifaceted personality, but they无疑 added to his charm and allure."
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