Wittgenstein and the Turning Point in the Philosophy of Mathematics

"Shanker presents a new and interesting interpretation of Wittgenstein's philosophy of mathematics. I am persuaded that he is reading Wittgenstein basically correctly. Wittgenstein's views seem even more radical and bizarre on Shanker's reading than they did before. Shanker also argues for the correctness of Wittgenstein's position, but I find that completely implausible. Nevertheless, his argument is vigorous and shows an excellent, up-to-date grasp of the relevant literature." -- Nicholas D. Goodman

Shanker exposes the confusions underlying the currently prevailing interpretations of Wittgenstein. He shows how such approaches and their underlying critical frameworks are incapable of coming to terms with Wittgenstein's arguments in the philosophy of mathematics.

This book explains not only Wittgenstein's approach, which was justly heralded as causing a turning point in the philosophy of mathematics, but also the philosophy of mathematics in general.