Ludwig Wittgenstein: The Cambridge Years (1929-1951)

We will consider the events that led to Wittgenstein’s initial visits to Trinity College to meet Bertrand Russell, and then to his return to Cambridge in 1929. These visits to Cambridge coincide with the traditional separation of Wittgenstein's ‘early’ writings and his ‘later’ writings. These contributions are, in turn, associated with key developments in the history of philosophy—the rise of Logical Positivism and the lasting influence of Ordinary Language Philosophy. These developments, whilst significant, can be seen to be based on misinterpretations of Wittgenstein's works. In closing, we will look in detail at Wittgenstein’s ethical philosophy—a much-underrated element of his thought and, arguably, the main driving force behind his philosophy.

Wittgenstein claimed to solve all of the problems of philosophy in his first work, the Tractatus Logico Philosophicus. Despite this, he returned to philosophy, and to Cambridge, in 1929. This we because Wittgenstein had discovered that his previous answers were not so much wrong as they were limited. As a consequence, however, Wittgenstein delivered a new way of thinking that, rather than solve the problems of philosophy, revolutionised the practice of philosophy itself. We will consider the intended and unintended consequences of Wittgenstein’s later philosophy; his so-called ‘linguistic turn’; and his wish to ‘leave everything as it is’.  

Learning outcomes

The learning outcomes for this course are:

• A better understanding of the life and thought of Cambridge’s most illustrious, and most   enigmatic, philosopher.    
• An ability to identify key features of Wittgenstein’s philosophy, as well as influential   misinterpretations and reinterpretations of his thought.  
• To employ philosophical techniques and knowledge in a variety of circumstances.  

Classes

1. How Wittgenstein solved all the problems of philosophy… twice.  
We will examine the shift in Wittgenstein’s philosophy, from his early writings in the Tractatus to his later writings in the Investigations.  

2. From Logical Positivism to Ordinary Language
We will look at the lasting influence of Wittgenstein’s two, great works by telling the story of the two great movements of 20th century philosophy—Logical Positivism (also Logical Atomism) and Ordinary Language Philosophy.  

3. (Mis)understanding Wittgenstein
The previous two developments in 20th Century philosophy are often seen as misinterpretations of Wittgenstein’s thought. We will therefore consider interpretations of his later philosophy that avoid appeals to how language is used ordinarily.  

4. In focus: Freedom of the Will
To better understand Wittgenstein’s philosophy, we will consider his unique approach an otherwise well-worn philosophical problem, freedom of the will. Wittgenstein offers a familiar defence and a surprising denial of freedom of the will.  

5. Wittgenstein’s Ethics
We will look in more detail at Wittgenstein’s ethical philosophy—a more consistent, and muchunderrated, aspect of his thought and, as we shall see, the main driving force behind his philosophy. 

Primary Texts

There will be no expectation that students will have read the works below. However, the primary texts we will refer to in class are listed below under Wittgenstein’s name, as well as Philosophical Occasions by Klagge and Nordman. Those new to Wittgenstein’s philosophy, might also wish to read A. C. Grayling’s A Very Short Introduction to Wittgenstein. Those more interested in the historical and biographical aspects of Wittgenstein’s life—which are also fascinating—might wish to read Ray Monk’s biography, The Duty of Genius.   

Typical week: Monday to Friday

For each week of study you select a morning (Am) and an afternoon (Pm) course, each course has five sessions, one each day Monday to Friday. The maximum class size is 25 students. Your weekly courses are complemented by a series of two daily plenary lectures, exploring new ideas in a wide range of disciplines. To add to the learning experience, we are also planning additional evening talks and events.

Evaluation and Academic Credit 

If you are seeking to enhance your own study experience, or earn academic credit from your Cambridge Summer Programme studies at your home institution, you can submit written work for assessment for one or more of your courses. 

Essay questions are set and assessed against the University of Cambridge standard by your Course Director, a list of essay questions can be found in the Course Materials. Essays are submitted two weeks after the end of each course, so those studying for multiple weeks need to plan their time accordingly. There is an evaluation fee of £65 per essay.

For more information about writing essays see Evaluation and Academic Credit.

Certificate of attendance

A certificate of attendance will be sent to you electronically within a week of your courses finishing.