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Wittgenstein on the Arbitrariness of Grammar Michael N. Forster

Wittgenstein on the Arbitrariness of Grammar By Michael N. Forster

Wittgenstein on the Arbitrariness of Grammar by Michael N. Forster


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Summary

What is the nature of a conceptual scheme? Are there alternative conceptual schemes? If so, are some more justifiable or correct than others? This book explores Wittgenstein's views on these questions. It interprets his conception of grammar as a generalized version of Kant's transcendental idealist solution to a puzzle about necessity.

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Wittgenstein on the Arbitrariness of Grammar Summary

Wittgenstein on the Arbitrariness of Grammar by Michael N. Forster

What is the nature of a conceptual scheme? Are there alternative conceptual schemes? If so, are some more justifiable or correct than others? The later Wittgenstein already addresses these fundamental philosophical questions under the general rubric of grammar and the question of its arbitrariness--and does so with great subtlety. This book explores Wittgenstein's views on these questions. Part I interprets his conception of grammar as a generalized (and otherwise modified) version of Kant's transcendental idealist solution to a puzzle about necessity. It also seeks to reconcile Wittgenstein's seemingly inconsistent answers to the question of whether or not grammar is arbitrary by showing that he believed grammar to be arbitrary in one sense and non-arbitrary in another. Part II focuses on an especially central and contested feature of Wittgenstein's account: a thesis of the diversity of grammars. The author discusses this thesis in connection with the nature of formal logic, the limits of language, and the conditions of semantic understanding or access. Strongly argued and cleary written, this book will appeal not only to philosophers but also to students of the human sciences, for whom Wittgenstein's work holds great relevance.

Wittgenstein on the Arbitrariness of Grammar Reviews

Nuanced and convincingly supported, Forster's work reaches conclusions of great intrinsic interest.-Paul Horwich, University College, London and City University of New York

About Michael N. Forster

Michael N. Forster is Professor of Philosophy and Chairman of the Philosophy Department at the University of Chicago.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments ix Abbreviations xi Introduction 1 PART ONE GRAMMAR, ARBITRARINESS, NON-ARBITRARINESS 1. Wittgenstein's Conception of Grammar 7 2. The Sense in Which Grammar Is Arbitrary 21 3. The Sense in Which Grammar Is Non-Arbitrary 66 4. Some Modest Criticisms 82 PART TWO THE DIVERSITY THESIS 5. Alternative Grammars? The Case of Formal Logic 107 6. Alternative Grammars? The Limits of Language 129 7. Alternative Grammars? The Problem of Access 153 Appendix. The Philosophical Investigations 189 Notes 193 Index 241

Additional information

CIN0691123918G
9780691123912
0691123918
Wittgenstein on the Arbitrariness of Grammar by Michael N. Forster
Used - Good
Paperback
Princeton University Press
20051106
264
N/A
Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
This is a used book - there is no escaping the fact it has been read by someone else and it will show signs of wear and previous use. Overall we expect it to be in good condition, but if you are not entirely satisfied please get in touch with us

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