Wittgenstein

In this compelling new book, Michael Luntley offers a revolutionary interpretation of the opening section of Wittgenstein s Philosophical Investigations. Luntley s reading challenges the prevailing view that there is a grand sweep to Wittgenstein s enterprise and marks a major departure from standard arguments about the nature of language, meaning, ostensive definition, and normativity. Opening Investigations introduces an improvisational conception of language use and posits that understanding language is more akin to theopen-endedness of aesthetic judgment. In defense of his argument, Luntley provides close readings of the primary text alongside critical engagement with the most recent literature on Wittgenstein and other contemporary philosophical work. Written in accessible and engaging prose, Opening Investigations makes a powerful case for re-integrating Wittgenstein studies into contemporary philosophical debates. This book is sure to provoke lively debate among Wittgenstein scholars and will be of great interest to anyone studying Wittgenstein s work.