Wittgenstein on Internal and External Relations: Tracing all the Connections

by Jakub Mácha

Overview

Does Wittgenstein's method of analysis rest on the distinction between internal and external relations?

Approaching Wittgenstein's writings from a new perspective, Wittgenstein on Internal and External Relations focuses on how Wittgenstein distinguishes between relations that are grounded in the nature of their related terms, internal, and those which belong to them accidentally, external.

This original approach reveals the difference to be one of the most fundamental distinctions that Wittgenstein drew in his writings. Working chronologically, it summarizes the philosophical background against which the distinction emerged, addressing Hegel, Bradley, Russell and Moore. Dealing with Wittgenstein's early and later writings, it distils definitions of the notions of internal and external relations and offers its applications, before concluding with the rationale for Wittgenstein's method of analysis.

Making a valuable contribution to Wittgenstein scholarship, Wittgenstein on Internal and External Relations presents significant new insights into his relationship with Russell and Moore and shows how internal and external relations inform his entire philosophical approach.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781474242141
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	07/16/2015
Pages:	262
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.69(d)

About the Author

Jakub Mácha is Associate Professor in the Department of Philosophy at Masaryk University, Czech Republic

Table of Contents

Preface and acknowledgements
List of abbreviations
Part I: Introduction
1. Wittgenstein's method of analysis: “I'll teach you differences.”
2. Why relations matter
3. What is wrong with the internal/external distinction
Part II. Prelude
4. Hegelianism and British idealism
5. Russell and Moore
Part III. Wittgenstein's early writings
6. Definitions of the internal/external distinction in the early writings
7. The Doctrine of External Relations
8. The nature of simple objects
9. The picture theory
Part IV. Wittgenstein's later writings
10. Definitions of the internal/external distinction in the later writings
11. Intentionality
12. Reason, motive, and cause
13. Rules and their applications
14. Mathematics
15. Colors
16. The standard meter
17. Aspect-seeing and philosophy of psychology
18. Aesthetics and art
Part V. Conclusion
19. Internal relations as imperatives
20. The maxim of no reflexive uses of internal relations
Bibliography
Index

Editorial Reviews

This book offers an original perspective on Wittgenstein and his philosophical development. Taking its lead from the difference between internal and external relations, it offers both a historical account and a systematic discussion of core issues in the interpretation of Wittgenstein as well as in contemporary philosophical debates. Readers who are interested in a new way of looking at Wittgenstein must look at this book.

Ambitious and closely argued, scholarly, reasonable and detailed, this book provides a compelling interpretation of the unity of Wittgenstein's philosophy from the pre-tractarian texts to the Philosophical Investigations. Mácha's approach makes real progress in shedding light on some intricate exegetical problems related to Wittgenstein's thought. It combines the best of the Continental and the Analytical traditions: an impressive philosophical and historical mastery of the Idealist background shared by Moore, Russell and Wittgenstein, with a densely argued appreciation and elucidation of details. The discussion of difficult pieces of reasoning such as Bradley's arguments against external and internal relations is especially brilliant. Jakub Mácha gives fresh impetus to a debate that has permeated and shaped much of the recent Wittgenstein's scholarship. Anyone who is interested in Wittgenstein will enjoy the book.

By "tracing all the connections," Macha presents us with an overview, in the style of Wittgenstein himself, of the uses of internal and external relations in Wittgenstein's work. The book shows how important internal and external relations are in Wittgenstein's philosophy, and helps us get a better handle on how they function in a wide range of contexts. The book is very impressive, especially in drawing on the full range of material, both published and unpublished. I learned a lot by reading it.

Following Wittgenstein, Mácha calls his book an album. The book is, however, actually a very systematic account of a subject that deserves all the attention it can receive. Mácha has prepared a thoroughly academic book out of the album of writings and remarks Wittgenstein has left behind on the theme of external and internal relations, pulling together material from a wide range of different sources into an organized and efficient whole. The author deserves for his laborious work our sincere thanks. He has given us a well-organized presentation of Wittgenstein's applications and further development of an important philosophical topic.

From the Publisher