Wittgenstein and the Quest for Certainty

Wittgenstein and the Quest for Certainty by Andrew Conley explores Ludwig Wittgenstein's profound shift in philosophical thought, from his early work in the Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus to his later, groundbreaking ideas in the Philosophical Investigations. The book delves into Wittgenstein's evolving conception of certainty, challenging the traditional search for indubitable truths in favor of a view that emphasizes the social, contextual nature of meaning and knowledge. Conley traces Wittgenstein's critique of metaphysical certainty, his rejection of private language, and his focus on the practical use of language in everyday life. By examining how Wittgenstein's ideas dissolve traditional philosophical problems, this work offers a fresh perspective on the quest for certainty, positioning Wittgenstein's later philosophy as a critical response to the intellectual traditions that preceded him. Through an in-depth analysis of Wittgenstein's rejection of abstract systems in favor of ordinary language, the book highlights how his philosophy continues to influence contemporary thought in fields like ethics, epistemology, political theory, and the philosophy of mind.