Remarks on the foundations of mathematics

Bibliographic Information

Remarks on the foundations of mathematics

by Ludwig Wittgenstein ; edited by G.H. von Wright, R. Rhees, G.E.M. Anscombe ; translated by G.E.M. Anscombe

MIT Press, 1978

Rev. ed

Other Title

Bemerkungen über die Grundlagen der Mathematik <>

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Note

Includes index

Description and Table of Contents

Description

Wittgenstein's work remains, undeniably, now, that of one of those few philosophers who will be read by all future generations. The Remarks analyzes in depth such topics as logical compulsion (the "must") and mathematical conviction; calculation as experiment; mathematical surprise, discovery, and invention; Russell's logic, Goedel's theorem, Cantor's diagonal procedure, Dedekind's cuts; the nature of proof and contradiction; and the role of mathematical propositions in the forming of concepts. Wittgenstein's later philosophy was much involved with the concept of "language-games," of which mathematics was one. It was his feeling that a proper analysis of the use of language would clarify concepts and lead to the solution of (what seem to be) philosophical problems. Sometimes, Wittgenstein's expository method is pre-Socratic: a flow of disconnected statements, not unlike Heraclitean fragments, that range from clear aphorisms to cryptic oracles. Elsewhere, there are brief Socratic dialogues with imaginary persons, opponents of equally severe seriousness, representatives of the other half of Wittgenstein strove for total clarity of language as a means of solving philosophical problems, but some of his most meaningful statements here are expressed suggestively, subjectively, poetically.

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Details

  • NCID
    BA10129776
  • ISBN
    • 0262730677
  • LCCN
    78059781
  • Country Code
    us
  • Title Language Code
    eng
  • Text Language Code
    eng
  • Original Language Code
    ger
  • Place of Publication
    Cambridge, Mass.
  • Pages/Volumes
    444 p.
  • Size
    23 cm
  • Classification
  • Subject Headings
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