Introduces Wittgenstein's philosophy to senior undergraduates and graduate students. This book examines Wittgenstein's discussions of naming, family resemblances, rule-following and private language in ""Philosophical Investigations"" as instances of this sort of method, as is his discussion of knowledge in ""On Certainty"".
The book explores the complex relationship between analytical philosophy, radical theory, and skepticism, highlighting their ambivalence. It delves into structuralism, feminist theory, and critical theory, presenting a therapeutic approach that offers an alternative to traditional philosophical theoreticism. Through this analysis, it seeks to redefine the role of philosophy in addressing skepticism and its implications.
Wittgenstein's exploration of perception in the Philosophical Investigations reveals two significant claims. First, his critique of private language stems from his reflections on sense-datum theories and the misleading metaphor of phenomenal space. Second, this critique remains relevant today, as it addresses contemporary debates about first-person authority and perception, highlighting the ongoing temptation to conflate phenomenal experiences with physical realities.