180118 FS Ludwig Wittgenstein - On certainty (2024S)

In the last two years before his death (1949-1951), Ludwig Wittgenstein (once again) dealt with conceptual investigations of ‘knowing’, ‘doubting’, ‘erring’ and ‘being certain’. These remarks, which can be found in various manuscripts (Mss 172,174, 175, 176, 177), were published posthumously as a book by G.E.M. Anscombe and G.H. von Wright under the title ON CERTAINTY.

Based on George Edward Moore’s controversial “Proof of an External World” and his “Defense of Common Sense”, among other things, Wittgenstein deals primarily with the topic of skepticism (and idealism), which is central to philosophical epistemology. Wittgenstein’s concrete conceptual investigations and his contrasting of everyday and philosophical language use, typical of his later philosophy, lead him to considerations that are located beyond the philosophical debates and positions common at his time.

The remarks published as ON CERTAINTY pose a challenge for interpreters in several respects: First, they are initial notes that could not be revised by Wittgenstein himself, due to his untimely death. Second, the context of the manuscripts from which the remarks were collected must be taken into account: Even when considering the writings published as ON CERTAINTY and REMARKS ON COLOURS, numerous thematic overlaps become apparent; the same applies, for example, to Wittgenstein’s late writings on the philosophy of psychology. It can also be seen, that in these last writings Wittgenstein takes up ideas from earlier periods, develops them further, looks at them differently, applies them to other subjects, etc.

Didactic method: Preparatory reading of selected passages from Wittgenstein's ON CERTAINTY and the selected secondary literature; weekly discussions in the lecture hall. Preparation to an in-class presentation of research results and to writing a research article. The joint preparation for writing a concrete research article is one of the learning objectives of this research seminar. The regular study of primary texts using a learning journal kept by all participants provides the basis for habitual writing and the starting point for our weekly discussions. Methodologically, we will subject parts of Wittgenstein’s notes to a close reading, especially at the beginning of the semester.

IMPORTANT: The format of the seminar paper for this FS corresponds to the editorial specifications that could apply to a submission to the WITTGENSTEIN STUDIEN. Length approx. 20 pages (incl. abstract and bibliography). Students are encouraged to adhere to the format requirements of the actual scientific journal in order to practise the writing of a publishable research paper. Seminar papers for this FS are accepted in German and English.