Wittgenstein’s Critique of Russell’s Multiple Relation Theory of Judgement
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Anthem Press
Published:30th Mar '21
Should be back in stock very soon
A scholarly appreciation of Wittgenstein’s May–June 1913 critique of Russell’s multiple-relation theory of judgement
This book sets out to adjudicate the scholarly controversy surrounding Wittgenstein’s May–June 1913 critique of Russell’s multiple-relation theory of judgement. It also aims to familiarize readers with the historical events, textual evidence, letters, working notes and diagrams which are crucial to a correct appreciation of Wittgenstein’s criticisms.
Wittgenstein’s May–June 1913 critique of Russell’s multiple-relation theory of judgement (or MRTJ) marked a crucial turning point in the lives of two great twentieth-century thinkers. It was also a watershed moment within the history of analytic philosophy itself. Yet scholarly consensus around a satisfactory interpretation of the nature of the critique, the extent of and reasons for its impact on Russell, along with the role it played within Wittgenstein’s development have remained elusive. With these facts in mind, this book aims to accomplish four interrelated goals. The first is to develop a compelling reading of Wittgenstein’s May–June 1913 critique of Russell’s MRTJ. The second is to defend this reading, called the ‘logical interpretation’ (or LI) against its most prominent competitors in the scholarly literature. Third, the book aims to situate Wittgenstein’s critique of the MRTJ and Russell’s reaction to it, within the broader context of each of Wittgenstein’s and Russell’s respective philosophical developments. Fourth and finally, the book aims to introduce students and scholars of early analytic philosophy to, and familiarize them with the historical events, textual evidence, scholarly controversies, letters, notes and diagrams, consideration of which is integral to constructing a plausible reading of Wittgenstein’s objection.
Journal for the History of Analytical Philosophy
Russell: the Journal of Bertrand Russell Studies
“This is the first comprehensive book length treatment of Wittgenstein’s critique of Russell’s multiple relation theory of judgment. Connelly covers all of the historical and philosophical issues surrounding Wittgenstein’s critique and offers a new and deeply interesting interpretation. It is a masterful achievement.” —Peter Hanks, Professor and Chair, Department of Philosophy, University of Minnesota, USA
“This book is an insightful and illuminating study, combining a rich critical summary of existing interpretations and an interesting new account. It is essential reading for all students and scholars of the Russell–Wittgenstein dispute concerning the nature of judgement” —Graham Stevens, Head of Philosophy Department, School of Social Science, University of Manchester, UK
“James Connelly first conducts an expert tour through elusive primary sources and voluminous secondary literature in order to advance his own distinctive interpretation of the philosophical confrontation that waged between Russell and Wittgenstein in 1913. Secondly, Connelly demonstrates the ongoing and much-overlooked influence that this confrontation had over the evolution of Wittgenstein’s own philosophical development. For both of these reasons, Connelly has made a vital contribution to the history of early analytic philosophy.” —Samuel Lebens, Research Fellow, University of Haifa, Israel
Connelly’s expert and clear presentation, all in one book, of all of the key interpretations in the literature, and all of the relevant scraps of evidence, constitutes a significant contribution to scholars and students alike. —Journal for the History of Analytical Philosophy
Connelly’s interpretation is sophisticated, supported by textual evidence that is painstakingly researched, and makes a very welcome addition to the literature. He is to be especially commended on the charitable and generous approach he takes to previous interpretations. [...] As a nearly exhaustive summary of the competing interpretations of Russell’s paralysis, and the competing interpretations of his philosophy that generate them, it will be welcomed by all students and scholars of Russell’s work. —Russell: the Journal of Bertrand Russell Studies
ISBN: 9781785277405
Dimensions: 229mm x 153mm x 26mm
Weight: 454g
250 pages