The Realistic Spirit - (Representation and Mind) by Cora Diamond (Paperback)

About the Book

The realistic spirit, a nonmetaphysical approach to philosophical thought concerned with the character of philosophy itself, informs all of the discussions in these important essays by philosopher Cora Diamond.

Book Synopsis

The realistic spirit, a nonmetaphysical approach to philosophical thought concerned with the character of philosophy itself, informs all of the discussions in these essays by philosopher Cora Diamond. Diamond explains Wittgenstein's notoriously elusive later writings, explores the background to his thought in the work of Frege, and discusses ethics in a way that reflects his influence. Diamond's new reading of Wittgenstein challenges currently accepted interpretations and shows what it means to look without mythology at the coherence, commitments, and connections that are distinctive of the mind.

Representation and Mind series

Review Quotes

"This is the most important book on Wittgenstein in over a decade, but it is also much more than that. These essays range widely over issues in the philosophy of language, ethics, and literature and they illuminate everything they touch. They show the full range and power of one of the best philosophical minds I know."--Hillary Putnam, Harvard University

"To my mind, Diamond, more than any other commentator, conveys an accurate sense of Wittgenstein's methods and goals in philosophy. Her essays illuminating the complicated subtle relationships between the earlier and later works are the best in the field."--Thomas Ricketts, University of Pennsylvania

" This is the most important book on Wittgenstein in over a decade, but it is also much more than that. These essays range widely over issues in the philosophy of language, ethics, and literature and they illuminate everything they touch. They show the full range and power of one of the best philosophical minds I know." -- Hillary Putnam, Harvard University

" This is the most important book on Wittgenstein in over a decade, but it is also much more than that. These essays range widely over issues in the philosophy of language, ethics, and literature and they illuminate everything they touch. They show the full range and power of one of the best philosophical minds I know." -- Hillary Putnam, Harvard University

About the Author

Cora Diamond is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Virginia.