Wittgenstein on Internal and External Relations

Following Wittgenstein, Mácha calls his book an album. The book is, however, actually a very systematic account of a subject that deserves all the attention it can receive. Mácha has prepared a thoroughly academic book out of the album of writings and remarks Wittgenstein has left behind on the theme of external and internal relations, pulling together material from a wide range of different sources into an organized and efficient whole. The author deserves for his laborious work our sincere thanks. He has given us a well-organized presentation of Wittgenstein's applications and further development of an important philosophical topic.

Préface
The first in-depth study of the distinction Wittgenstein made between internal and external relations throughout his early and later writings

Auteur
Jakub Mácha is Associate Professor in the Department of Philosophy at Masaryk University, Czech Republic

Résumé
Does Wittgenstein's method of analysis rest on the distinction between internal and external relations? Approaching Wittgenstein's writings from a new perspective, Wittgenstein on Internal and External Relations focuses on how Wittgenstein distinguishes between relations that are grounded in the nature of their related terms, internal, and those which belong to them accidentally, external. This original approach reveals the difference to be one of the most fundamental distinctions that Wittgenstein drew in his writings. Working chronologically, it summarizes the philosophical background against which the distinction emerged, addressing Hegel, Bradley, Russell and Moore. Dealing with Wittgenstein's early and later writings, it distils definitions of the notions of internal and external relations and offers its applications, before concluding with the rationale for Wittgenstein's method of analysis. Making a valuable contribution to Wittgenstein scholarship, Wittgenstein on Internal and External Relations presents significant new insights into his relationship with Russell and Moore and shows how internal and external relations inform his entire philosophical approach.

Contenu
Preface and acknowledgements List of abbreviations Part I: Introduction 1. Wittgenstein's method of analysis: I'll teach you differences. 2. Why relations matter 3. What is wrong with the internal/external distinction Part II. Prelude 4. Hegelianism and British idealism 5. Russell and Moore Part III. Wittgenstein's early writings 6. Definitions of the internal/external distinction in the early writings 7. The Doctrine of External Relations 8. The nature of simple objects 9. The picture theory Part IV. Wittgenstein's later writings 10. Definitions of the internal/external distinction in the later writings 11. Intentionality 12. Reason, motive, and cause 13. Rules and their applications 14. Mathematics 15. Colors 16. The standard meter 17. Aspect-seeing and philosophy of psychology 18. Aesthetics and art Part V. Conclusion 19. Internal relations as imperatives 20. The maxim of no reflexive uses of internal relations Bibliography Index