Prof. Arthur Gibson (University of Cambridge, Department of Pure Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics)
Prof. Alois Pichler (Wittgenstein Archives, University of Bergen)
Dr. Jonathan Smith (Trinity College, Wren Library, University of Cambridge)
Prof. Nuno Venturinha (Department of Philosophy, IFILNOVA Lisbon)
Moderation: Dr. Alfred Schmidt (Austrian National Library)
Today we know that an adequate understanding of Wittgenstein’s philosophy, mental process and personality can only be achieved when studying the Nachlass both from its philosophical and its biographical side. We need what Wittgenstein himself claimed for his Philosophical Investigations: “A criss-cross approach”. A truly modern approach to Wittgenstein will permit us to break up the historical and geographical limitations. We will be able to see his life and work synoptically: all the records which we have for a year / a month / a week / a day in Wittgenstein’s life. So we can achieve what Wittgenstein himself would have called Übersicht: Which book was he reading today? What newspaper fragment did he read or reflect upon? Who was he meeting? Whom did he write to? From whom did he get a letter? What was he writing? What was he lecturing? Where was he on this specific day? etc. |
