Wittgenstein on Internal and External Relations Tracing all the Connections [Paperback]

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 Relationsfocuses 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 Relationspresents significant new insights into his relationship with Russell and Moore and shows how internal and external relations inform his entire philosophical approach.

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 applil£‹