Despite Ludwig Wittgeinstein's undeniable influence on contemporary philosophical thought, his position in the philosophical firmament remains controversial. His rejection of the theoretical stance, the non-linear and non-systematic exposition of his views, sometimes the dogmatic tone of his writing, and the strong personal tone of his teaching make it difficult to place him within the framework of a homogeneous, let alone academically oriented, philosophical direction. On the other hand, his analyses impress with their often highly technical and exhaustively penetrating manner in which they unfold. They cover an extremely wide range of topics, from logic and mathematics to philosophical psychology and ethics, which are approached with originality and methodological rigor as well as illuminating images and metaphors. Wittgeinstein is one of the leading philosophers of the twentieth century. He has left an indelible mark on the analytical philosophy of the Anglo-Saxon world, but his teaching has also decisively penetrated European currents of thought, such as hermeneutics and late critical theory (Habermas). Moreover, the influence of his mature work has extended beyond the horizon of philosophy into fields such as the social sciences and literary theory.
This monograph at hand attempts a reassessment of central themes in his philosophy. It aspires to evaluate his contribution to the enlightening demand for the demystification of the mind through our linguistic self-awareness, and to clarify the particular characteristics of his endeavor to reorient philosophy as a critique of meaning. It detects an anthropological perspective in his work, centered on the practical use of concepts within the becoming of life, which he exploits in order to shed light on major questions about the nature of meaning, knowledge, and values.