Words and Deeds: An Introduction to the Thought of Ludwig Wittgenstein

This book offers an introduction to the thought of Ludwig Wittgenstein (1889-1951). Wittgenstein's life, in its earlier and later phases, is considered in chapters that interleave the reviews of the philosophy of language Wittgenstein set out in Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus (1921) and Philosophical Investigations (1953). The issues of difference and continuity between these two works is given much consideration. Later chapters consider Wittgenstein's approach to philosophy and to thinking about religion and ethics. Along the way key ideas on philosophy, and relevant lines of argument that contribute to Wittgenstein's intellectual development are explained. For this revised edition, the author has updated and extended the index, cleaned up some errant typos in the manuscript, and made a few refinements to the text. Stephen Loxton worked in the UK for some 40 years in various roles in education until retiring in 2019, and relocating to Lusaka, Zambia, where his wife works for the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa. He continues to read, research and write, and has recently completed a study of Nietzsche and his On the Genealogy of Morals - Nietzsche and the Old Flame, and a study of Charles Taylor's The Ethics of Authenticity is forthcoming.