In this comprehensive study of Wittgenstein''s modal theorizing, Raymond Bradley offers a radical reinterpretation of Wittgenstein''s early thought. He argues that the Tractatus presents a view of the world in which possibilities are given an important ontological status. Contrary to most interpreters, Bradley contends that Wittgenstein''s ontology is central to his enterprise, and not simply a by-product of certain of his views on language. On Bradley''s reading, the Tractatus offers a version of modal realism. He further demonstrates the unexpected existence of deep differences both in content and aims between the logical atomism of Wittgenstein and that of Russell. A unique feature of Bradley''s argument here is his reliance on Wittgenstein''s notebooks, which he believes offer indispensable guidance to the interpretation of difficult passages in the Tractatus. Bradley then goes on to argue that Wittgenstein''s account of modality - and the related notion of possible worlds - is in fact superior to any of the currently popular theories in this area.
Industry Reviews
"This is an excellent book. It will interest both students of the Tractatus and philosophers who consider the metaphysics of modality."--Notre Dame Journal of Formal Logic
"Challenging and rewarding throughout."--Choice
"Bradley knows the historical literature extremely well....The writing is clear throughout....This book will make a significant contribution to both Wittgenstein scholarship and contemporary philosophy of logic."--Robert J. Fogelin, Dartmouth College
"Bradley's book is daring, interesting and provocative. It will be a valuable resource for students of the Tractatus for the bold new interpretation it presents."--Canadian Philosophical Reviews
"I know of no other work on the Tractatus which is so thoroughly dedicated to the role of modal notions, nor of any which does so much to bring the early Wittgenstein into conversation with contemporary philosophers who work on modal logic and who talk about possible worlds."--The Thomist
"This is an excellent book. It will interest both students of the Tractatus and philosophers who consider the metaphysics of modality."--Notre Dame Journal of Formal Logic
"Challenging and rewarding throughout."--Choice
"Bradley knows the historical literature extremely well....The writing is clear throughout....This book will make a significant contribution to both Wittgenstein scholarship and contemporary philosophy of logic."--Robert J. Fogelin, Dartmouth College
"Bradley's book is daring, interesting and provocative. It will be a valuable resource for students of the Tractatus for the bold new interpretation it presents."--Canadian Philosophical Reviews
"I know of no other work on the Tractatus which is so thoroughly dedicated to the role of modal notions, nor of any which does so much to bring the early Wittgenstein into conversation with contemporary philosophers who work on modal logic and who talk about possible worlds."--The Thomist
