Philosophical Occasions, 1912-1951

An indispensible resource, this collection of Wittgenstein's key shorter works -- in some cases expanded and corrected -- offers the full German text of those selections originally written in German. Highlights include 'Notes for the 'Philosophical Lecture', an essay on private language and experience, published here for the first time; an emended version of the crucially important 'Notes for Lectures on Private Experience and Sense Data'; and 'Remarks on Frazer's Golden Bough', Wittgenstein's ground-breaking critique of Frazer's classic study of magic and religion. Fifteen selections that span the development of Wittgenstein's thought, his wide range of interest, and his methods of philosophical investigation offer subtle insights into the character and personality of their author. Included are reflections on ethics, language, logic, experience, culture, anthropology, the nature of philosophy, aesthetics, and mathematics. Together they take us a step closer toward an accurate and rounded picture of the lifelong philosophical activity of one of the most intriguing philosophers of the twentieth century.