The collection of essays delves into Wittgenstein's insights regarding the relationship between clarification and empirical inquiry. It explores how his philosophical reflections challenge traditional views, emphasizing the significance of language and meaning in understanding complex concepts. The essays aim to illuminate Wittgenstein's contributions to philosophy, particularly in how he navigates the interplay between theoretical clarity and practical investigation.
In the early 1970s, Cioffi demonstrated that Freud falsified the account of his discovery of the Oedipus complex - an account that had gone unquestioned until that time. Moreover, Cioffi showed that this misrepresentation was necessary to the propagation of the Oedipus theory. The author subsequently revealed Freud's falsifications in retracting his theory of infantile seduction, a revelation that has been often cited in recent books and scholarly journals.
"Generations of student writers have been subjected to usage handbooks that proclaim, "This is the correct form. Learn it"--books that lay out a grammar, but don't inspire students to use it. By contrast, this antihandbook handbook, presenting some three hundred sentences drawn from the printed works of a single, typical day in the life of the language--December 29, 2008--tries to persuade readers that good grammar and usage matter. Using real-world sentences rather than invented ones, One Day in the Life of the English Language gives students the motivation to apply grammatical principles correctly and efficiently. Frank Cioffi argues that proper form undergirds effective communication and ultimately even makes society work more smoothly, while nonstandard English often marginalizes or stigmatizes a writer. He emphasizes the evolving nature of English usage and debunks some cherished but flawed grammar precepts. Is it acceptable to end a sentence with a preposition? It is. Can you start a sentence with a conjunction? You can. OK to split an infinitive? No problem. A grammar and usage handbook like no other, One Day in the Life of the English Language features accessible chapters divided into 'Fundamentals, ' 'Fine Tuning, ' and 'Deep Focus, ' allowing readers to select a level most suited to their needs. It also includes a glossary, a teachers' guide, and a section refuting some myths about digital-age English."--Publisher's Web site
"A handy, bare essentials, pocket guide to "formal" written English for students, scholars, and writers in need of a reference to sharpen their ability to write with clarity and credibility"--
