Wittgenstein: Comparisons and Context

This collection features P. M. S. Hacker's papers on Wittgenstein and related themes, exploring his philosophy of psychology, grammar, and intentionality, while defending his Wittgensteinian perspective against various criticisms.

Wittgenstein: Comparisons and Context is a compilation of P. M. S. Hacker's scholarly papers that delve into the philosophy of Ludwig Wittgenstein and related themes, written over the past decade. In this volume, Hacker not only presents his own interpretation of Wittgensteinian philosophy but also defends it against various critiques. The collection encompasses comparative studies that explore a variety of topics, including Wittgenstein's views on psychology, grammar, and intentionality.

Among the notable essays, two focus on a comparison between Wittgenstein and Kant, particularly regarding transcendental arguments. Hacker offers a Wittgensteinian critique of Kant's transcendental deduction, shedding light on the distinctions between their philosophical approaches. Additionally, the volume includes essays that trace the evolution of Wittgenstein's philosophy of psychology, alongside an exploration of his anthropological and ethnological perspectives on philosophical issues. This exploration leads to a thoughtful comparison of Wittgenstein's later philosophy of language with formal, truth-conditional theories.

The collection also features clarificatory essays that address Wittgenstein's understanding of grammar, emphasizing his rejection of doctrines and dogmas in philosophy, as well as his approach to intentionality. The penultimate essay discusses Quine's epistemological naturalism, often viewed as a more scientific alternative to Wittgenstein's methods. The final essay provides a comprehensive overview of analytic philosophy and its history, highlighting Wittgenstein's significant contributions. Overall, this volume serves as an independent yet complementary addition to Hacker's earlier work, Wittgenstein: Connections and Controversies.