Language and Solitude Wittgenstein, Malinowski and the Habsburg Dilemma [Paperback]

Ernest Gellner's final book, first published in 1998, is a synoptic interpretation of the thought of Wittgenstein and Malinowski.Ernest Gellner (1925 1995) has been described as 'one of the last great central European polymath intellectuals'. His last book throws new light on two key figures of the twentieth century: the philosopher Wittgenstein, and Malinowski, founder of modern British social anthropology. Gellner shows how the thought of both men grew from a common background of assumptions about human nature, society, and language. He ties together themes which preoccupied him, epitomising his belief that philosophy--far from 'leaving everything as it is'--is about important historical, social and personal issues.Ernest Gellner (1925 1995) has been described as 'one of the last great central European polymath intellectuals'. His last book throws new light on two key figures of the twentieth century: the philosopher Wittgenstein, and Malinowski, founder of modern British social anthropology. Gellner shows how the thought of both men grew from a common background of assumptions about human nature, society, and language. He ties together themes which preoccupied him, epitomising his belief that philosophy--far from 'leaving everything as it is'--is about important historical, social and personal issues.Ernest Gellner (1925-1995) has been described as one of the last great central European polymath intellectuals. In this, his last book, he throws new light on two key figures of the twentieth century: the philosopher Wittgenstein, and Malinowski, founder of modern British social anthropology. Gellner shows how the thought of both men grew from a common background of assumptions about human nature, society, and language. He ties together themes that preoccupied him, epitomizing his belief that philosophy--far from leaving everything as it is --is about important historical, social and personal issues.Preface David Gellner; Foreword Steven Lukes; Part I. The HabsblÃ0