Problems of Interpretive Authority in Wittgenstein’s Corpus

What is it about?

Chapter 1: “Problems of Interpretive Authority in Wittgenstein’s Corpus” identifies a variety of problems involved in developing a principled reading of Wittgenstein. In setting the stage for the book, this chapter explores hermeneutical problems of reading Wittgenstein’s works with an eye to their relevance to philosophy of religion. I explore the merits of some interpretive schemes readers have used in approaching Wittgenstein. While some of the sources that concern religions include private diaries and correspondences never intended for publication, these important but problematic texts merit close attention. I argue that these sources should be read against the central themes and arguments of the texts Wittgenstein did prepare for publication. One such central theme, the ethic of perspicuity, coordinates my readings of his corpus.

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