The Wittgenstein Reader - (Wiley Blackwell Readers) 2nd Edition by Anthony Kenny (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

This popular selection of Wittgenstein's key writings has now been updated to include new material relevant to recent debates about the philosopher.

• Follows the evolution of Wittgenstein's philosophical thought from the Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus through to the Philosophical Investigations.


• Excerpts are arranged by topic and introduce readers to all the central concerns of Wittgenstein's philosophy.


• Now includes a new chapter on 'Sense, Nonsense and Philosophy' incorporating material relevant to recent debates about Wittgenstein.

From the Back Cover

This popular collection of Wittgenstein's key writings represents the breadth and complexity of the philosopher's work. It follows the evolution of Wittgenstein's philosophical thought from the Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus through the Blue and Brown Books to his later work in the Philosophical Investigations. The excerpts are arranged by topic and introduce readers to all the central concerns of Wittgenstein's philosophy, including meaning and understanding, intentionality, rule following, private language, necessity, scepticism and certainty.

For the second edition, a new chapter on 'Sense, Nonsense and Philosophy' has been added incorporating material relevant to recent debates about Wittgenstein. In particular, this chapter includes key passages which have proved central to interpretations of Wittgenstein by the so-called 'New Wittgensteinians'.

Review Quotes

"This excellent selection of key passages from the voluminous writings of Wittgenstein for the first time allows him to be read systematically and continuously. I am sure it will be invaluable in the classroom and give much pleasure and enlightenment to the general reader." Rom Harré, University of Oxford and Georgetown University

Anthony Kenny and Blackwell's have done it again. With an extended preface and an added chapter on the 'New Wittgensteinians', especially for undergraduate syllabi that aim to cover the breadth of Wittgenstein's philosophical concerns, this new edition of Kenny's astute selections is required reading. Richard Kortum, East Tennessee State University

About the Author

Sir Anthony Kenny was formerly Pro-Vice-Chancellor at Oxford University, Master of Balliol College, Oxford and Warden of Rhodes House, Oxford. He was also President of the British Academy, Chairman of the Board of the British Library and a Trustee of Wittgenstein's copyrights. He is the author or editor of more than 30 books, including Wittgenstein (Revised Edition, 2006), A Brief History of Western Philosophy (1998) and The Legacy of Wittgenstein (1984), all published by Blackwell.