Exploring the tensions between Wittgenstein's later writings and modern cognitivist views, this book delves into the philosophy of language and mind. It offers a fresh interpretation of Wittgenstein's ideas while addressing contemporary philosophical issues. By questioning the foundations of cognitivism, the work highlights its implications for psychology and cognitive science, inviting readers to reconsider established concepts of the mental.
Wittgenstein, Mind and Meaning offers a re-reading of Wittgenstein's later writings on language and mind, and explores the tensions between Wittgenstein's ideas and contemporary cognitivist conceptions of the mental. Williams' theme throughout is the anti-individualism that she takes to underlie Wittgenstein's criticism of Cartesian thought. This book lays the foundation for a social conception of mind. This book addresses both Wittgenstein's later works as well as contemporary issues in philosophy of mind. It provides fresh insight into the later Wittgenstein and raises vital questions about the foundations of cognitivism and its wider implications on psychology and cognitive science.
The Structure and Content of Wittgenstein's Later Philosophy
Wittgenstein's critique of traditional representationalist theories of language is central to this work, highlighting the essential 'master/novice' distinction in learning. This distinction is presented as crucial for grasping philosophical issues surrounding mind and language, suggesting that it has been largely neglected in contemporary discussions. Williams effectively illustrates how this framework can reshape our understanding of language and its implications for philosophical inquiry.