Introduction

Ludwig Wittgenstein was a renowned Austrian-British philosopher of the 1889th century, considered one of the most influential thinkers in analytical philosophy. Born in XNUMX in Vienna, Wittgenstein had a life marked by intense philosophical reflection and significant contributions to different areas of knowledge. His work ranged from logic and language to philosophy of mind and mathematics. In this glossary, we will explore Wittgenstein's life, thought, and main contributions to philosophy.

Early Years and Training

Ludwig Wittgenstein was born into a wealthy and intellectually stimulating family. His father, Karl Wittgenstein, was a successful businessman in the steel industry, while his mother, Leopoldine Kalmus, was from a family of musicians. From an early age, Wittgenstein showed an interest in music and mathematics, but it was in philosophy that he found his true passion.

Initial Work

After completing his secondary studies, Wittgenstein entered the University of Cambridge, where he had the opportunity to study with the philosopher Bertrand Russell. It was during this period that he began to develop his first philosophical ideas, which would later be exposed in his book “Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus”.

Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus

The “Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus” was published in 1921 and is considered Wittgenstein's main work. In this book, he proposes a theory of language and logic, arguing that language has an underlying logical structure that reflects the structure of the world. Wittgenstein defends the idea that language can represent facts and states of affairs accurately and objectively.

Second Philosophical Period

After the publication of the “Tractatus”, Wittgenstein temporarily abandoned philosophy and devoted himself to other interests, such as education and architecture. However, he returned to philosophy in the 1930s and began to develop a new set of ideas that challenged his own previous conclusions.

Philosophical Investigations

The “Philosophical Investigations”, published posthumously in 1953, are considered the main work of Wittgenstein's second philosophical period. In this book, he criticizes his own previous approach, arguing that language is essentially a social activity and that its meaning is determined by its use in specific contexts. Wittgenstein introduces the concept of “language games” to illustrate how language is used in different situations.

Philosophy of Language

One of Wittgenstein's main contributions to philosophy is his approach to language. He argues that language is not just a means of communication, but also shapes the way we think and understand the world. Wittgenstein emphasizes the importance of context and language use, stating that the meaning of words is intrinsically linked to their use in specific situations.

Philosophy of Mind

In addition to his contribution to the philosophy of language, Wittgenstein also had important insights into the philosophy of mind. He argues that the mind is not an entity separate from the body, but rather an activity that arises from the interaction between the body and the environment. Wittgenstein rejects the idea that the mind is a substance or an independent entity, advocating a more holistic and contextualized view of the mind.

Philosophy of Mathematics

Wittgenstein also made significant contributions to the philosophy of mathematics. He questioned the idea that mathematics is a purely logical discipline and argued that mathematics is a human activity that involves the use of conventional symbols and rules. Wittgenstein emphasizes the importance of context and use of mathematics, arguing that the meaning of mathematical symbols is intrinsically linked to their use in specific problems.

Influence and Legacy

Wittgenstein's work had a significant influence on philosophy and various areas of knowledge. His approach to language and the philosophy of mind influenced thinkers such as John Searle and Donald Davidson. Furthermore, his ideas about the nature of mathematics have had an impact on contemporary philosophy of mathematics. Wittgenstein is widely recognized as one of the most important philosophers of the XNUMXth century and his legacy continues to be the subject of study and debate to this day.

Conclusion

Although the conclusion has been removed, it is important to highlight that Ludwig Wittgenstein was a brilliant and innovative philosopher, whose work had a significant impact on philosophy and various areas of knowledge. His approach to language, mind, and mathematics continues to be the subject of study and debate, and his contributions to analytic philosophy are widely recognized. Wittgenstein left a lasting legacy and his work continues to influence contemporary philosophical thought.