Overview

Ludwig Wittgenstein’s brief Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus (1922) is one of the most important philosophical works of the twentieth century, yet it offers little orientation for the reader. The first-time reader is left wondering what it could be about, and the scholar is left with little guidance for interpretation. In Tractatus in Context, James C. Klagge presents the vital background necessary for appreciating Wittgenstein’s gnomic masterpiece. Tractatus in Context contains the early reactions to the Tractatus, including the initial reviews written in 1922-1924. And while we can’t talk with Wittgenstein, we can do the next best thing—hear what he had to say about the Tractatus. Klagge thus presents what Wittgenstein thought about germane issues leading up to his writing the book, in discussions and correspondence with others about his ideas, and what he had to say about the Tractatus after it was written—in letters, lectures and conversations. It offers, you might say, Wittgenstein’s own commentary on the book. Key Features: Illuminates what is at stake in the Tractatus, by providing the views of others that engaged Wittgenstein as he was writing it. Includes Wittgenstein’s earlier thoughts on ideas in the book as recorded in his notebooks, letters, and conversations as well as his later, retrospective comments on those ideas. Draws on new or little-known sources, such as Wittgenstein’s coded notebooks, Hermine’s notes, Frege’s letters, Hänsel’s diary, Ramsey’s notes, and Skinner’s dictations. Draws connections between the background context and specific passages in the Tractatus, using a proposition-by-proposition commentary.

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Reviews

A masterpiece of scholarship and insight Anthony Gottlieb

A masterpiece of scholarship and insight Anthony Gottlieb Klagge's Tractatus in Context provides a personalised tour of Wittgenstein's first published work through a treasure trove of material - including diary entries, correspondence, related philosophical discussions, historical context, anecdotes, and comparisons with earlier drafts, later writings, the German-English translations, and, finally, its reception in the philosophical community. Throughout this journey, Klagge guides the reader through the material with his own expertise and wit, from his careful elucidation of the technical mathematical material to the more mystical passages at the end. Documenting every step with extensive footnotes, Klagge has produced what will become required research material for upper division undergraduate and graduate students and sought after by scholars, teachers, students and admirers of Wittgenstein. 45 years in the making, this book is a monumental addition to Wittgenstein Studies. Julia Tanney

Author Information

James C. Klagge is Professor of Philosophy at Virginia Tech. He is author of Wittgenstein’s Artillery: Philosophy as Poetry (2021), Simply Wittgenstein (2016), and Wittgenstein in Exile (2011); co-editor, with Alfred Nordmann, of Philosophical Occasions: 1912-1951 (1993) and Public and Private Occasions (2003); and editor of Wittgenstein: Biography and Philosophy (2001).

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