Wittgenstein on Internal and External Relations: Tracing All the Connections

Description

Approaching Wittgenstein’s writings from a new perspective, Wittgenstein on Internal and External Relations focuses on how Wittgenstein distinguishes between relations that are grounded in the nature of their related terms, internal, and those which belong to them accidentally, external. This original approach reveals the difference to be one of the most fundamental distinctions that Wittgenstein drew in his writings. Working chronologically, it summarizes the philosophical background against which the distinction emerged, addressing Hegel, Bradley, Russell and Moore. Dealing with Wittgenstein’s early and later writings, it distils definitions of the notions of internal and external relations and offers its applications, before concluding with the rationale for Wittgenstein’s method of analysis. Making a valuable contribution to Wittgenstein scholarship, Wittgenstein on Internal and External Relations presents significant new insights into his relationship with Russell and Moore and shows how internal and external relations inform his entire philosophical approach. Cover Half-title Title Copyright Contents Preface and acknowledgments List of abbreviations I Introduction 1 Wittgenstein’s method of analysis: ‘I’ll teach you differences.’ 2 Why relations matter 3 What is wrong with the internal/external distinction II Prelude 4 Hegelianism and British idealism 5 Russell and Moore III Wittgenstein’s early writings 6 Definitions of the internal/external distinction in the early writings 7 The doctrine of external relations 8 The nature of simple objects 9 The picture theory IV Wittgenstein’s later writings 10 Definitions of the internal/external distinction in the later writings 11 Intentionality 12 Reason, motive, and cause 13 Rules and their applications 14 Mathematics 15 Colors 16 The standard meter 17 Aspect-seeing and philosophy of psychology 18 Aesthetics and art V Conclusion 19 Internal relations as imperatives 20 The maxim of no reflexive uses of internal relations Notes Bibliography Index