Wittgenstein and Classical German Philosophy – Logic, Language, Life

Alexander Berg (Zürich) will present the anthology, “Wittgenstein and Classical German Philosophy: Logic, Language, Life”, coedited with Denys Kaidalov.  

Over a century after the publication of Wittgenstein’s “Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus,” his ideas remain a cornerstone of modern philosophy, synonymous with the linguistic turn and the evolution of analytic thought. Yet, Wittgenstein’s deep ties to the continental tradition—rooted in the cherished cultural heritage of the nineteenth century—reveal a profound tension between innovation and tradition.

This anthology reexamines Wittgenstein’s philosophy against the rich backdrop of classical German thinkers, from Kant, Fichte, and Schelling to Hegel, Goethe, Hamann, and Herder. Through interconnected essays structured around three concentric themes—logic (exploring difference, negation, and infinity), language (delving into metaphors, skepticism, and rule-following), and life (encompassing pragmatism, habits, critique, and art)—contributors uncover fresh connections and productive frictions. From Hegel's speculative method to Schlegel's views on forms of life, these explorations illuminate how Wittgenstein both diverged from and echoed his predecessors, offering new perspectives on philosophy's enduring questions.The talk will outline the volume's genesis, key insights, and its invitation to ongoing dialogue across cultures, generations, and philosophical divides.