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2024-09-22 08:21:10

Ludwig Wittgenstein

Austrian philosopher in logic, mathematics, mind, and language.
Austrian philosopher in logic, mathematics, mind, and language.

Ludwig Wittgenstein, an Austrian philosopher, made significant contributions to logic, mathematics, mind, and language. His works were mainly published posthumously.

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1889-04-26
Birth of Ludwig Wittgenstein

Ludwig Wittgenstein was born in Vienna on April 26, 1889, to Karl and Leopoldine Wittgenstein. He was the youngest of eight children, born into one of the most prominent and wealthy families in the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

1902-04
Hans Wittgenstein's Suicide

Hans Wittgenstein, a musical prodigy and Ludwig Wittgenstein's eldest brother, committed suicide in April 1902 in Havana, Cuba.

1902-05
Death of Hans Wittgenstein

Hans Wittgenstein, the eldest brother of Ludwig, died in mysterious circumstances in May 1902. He ran away to America and most likely committed suicide by disappearing from a boat in Chesapeake Bay.

1903
Wittgenstein begins formal schooling at k.u.k. Realschule in Linz

In 1903, at the age of 14, Ludwig Wittgenstein started his three years of formal schooling at k.u.k. Realschule in Linz after failing his entrance exam for the more academic Gymnasium in Wiener Neustadt.

1904-05
Rudolf Wittgenstein's Suicide

Rudolf Wittgenstein, one of Ludwig Wittgenstein's brothers, committed suicide in May 1904 in Berlin.

1906-10-23
Wittgenstein begins University studies in Mechanical Engineering

In 1906, Ludwig Wittgenstein started his studies in mechanical engineering at the Technische Hochschule Berlin in Charlottenburg. He later pursued a doctorate at the Victoria University of Manchester, focusing on aeronautical projects and propeller design.

1908
Wittgenstein's Research in Aeronautics

In 1908, Ludwig Wittgenstein went to Manchester, England to conduct research in aeronautics, focusing on experimenting with kites. This research interest eventually led him to delve into mathematics and philosophy.

1911-10-18
Arrival at Cambridge

Wittgenstein arrived unannounced at Russell's rooms in Trinity College to study under Bertrand Russell after being suggested by Frege. Russell initially found him irritating but soon came to believe that Wittgenstein was a genius.

1912-11-29
First Paper at Cambridge Moral Sciences Club

In 1912, Wittgenstein joined the Cambridge University Moral Sciences Club and delivered his first paper defining philosophy as primitive propositions assumed true without proof by various sciences. He dominated the society discussions and stopped attending in the early 1930s due to complaints.

1913-09-04
Wittgenstein and Pinsent Arrive in Øystese, Norway

On September 4, 1913, Ludwig Wittgenstein and David Pinsent arrived in Øystese, a small village in Norway. They spent almost three weeks there, during which Wittgenstein made significant progress on his studies in logic.

1913-10-08
Last Meeting of Wittgenstein and Pinsent at Lordswood House

The last time Ludwig Wittgenstein and David Pinsent saw each other was on October 8, 1913, at Lordswood House in Birmingham. It was a sad parting as Wittgenstein left for Cambridge, expressing his notion of leaving to continue his work on logic in Norway.

1914
Wittgenstein's Military Service

At the outbreak of World War I, Wittgenstein volunteered for the Austro-Hungarian Army despite being eligible for exemption. He served in various capacities, displaying exceptional courage and winning several medals for bravery.

1915-04-29
Wittgenstein's journal entry during World War I

On April 29, 1915, during his service in World War I, Ludwig Wittgenstein wrote a journal entry expressing his thoughts on the nearness of death and his desire for enlightenment from God.

1915-06-11
Wittgenstein's Philosophical Reflections on God and the Meaning of Life

In June 1915, Wittgenstein wrote in his notebook that the meaning of life can be equated to God, and praying is contemplating the meaning of life. He also reflected on the belief in God as understanding that life has a deeper significance beyond worldly facts.

1916
Serving in Howitzer Regiment on Russian Front

In 1916, he was sent as a member of a howitzer regiment to the Russian front where he gained many distinctions for bravery.

1918-10-27
Suicide of Kurt Wittgenstein

Kurt Wittgenstein, an officer and company director, committed suicide on 27 October 1918 during World War I. His troops refused to obey his orders, leading to his tragic decision.

1919-08-25
Wittgenstein's Return to Vienna

In August 1919, Wittgenstein returned to Vienna after being captured as a prisoner of war in Italy. He was emotionally drained and contemplated suicide, leading him to make significant decisions such as enrolling in teacher training college and giving away his fortune.

1920
Wittgenstein's First Job as a Primary School Teacher in Trattenbach

In 1920, Ludwig Wittgenstein was given his first job as a primary school teacher in Trattenbach, a remote village where he found the villagers odious and baseness. Despite facing gossip and being considered eccentric, he was an enthusiastic teacher but also seen as a tyrant by some students.

1921
Publication of Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus

Ludwig Wittgenstein's major work, the Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus, was published in 1921 during his lifetime. He was never satisfied with his writings and believed that his ideas were difficult to understand.

1922
Publication of Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus

The Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus, the only book published by Wittgenstein during his lifetime, was eventually published in English in 1922 with the help of Russell.

1923-09-17
Visit from Frank Ramsey in Puchberg

On September 17, 1923, Frank P. Ramsey visited Ludwig Wittgenstein in Puchberg to discuss the Tractatus. Ramsey described Wittgenstein's frugal living conditions and the campaign to persuade him to return to Cambridge.

1925
Wittgenstein quits as a primary school teacher

Feeling like he had failed, Ludwig Wittgenstein gave up his job as a primary school teacher in 1925. He then pursued various other occupations.

1926-04
Incident with a student in Trattenbach

In April 1926, an incident occurred in Trattenbach where an 11-year-old boy collapsed after being struck on the head by Wittgenstein, leading to bitter disagreements with the boy's parents and ultimately resulting in Wittgenstein's resignation as a school teacher.

1926-05
Resignation of Ludwig Wittgenstein from teaching position

In May 1926, Ludwig Wittgenstein handed in his resignation as a schoolteacher following the Haidbauer incident. Despite efforts to persuade him to stay, he was adamant that his teaching days were over.

1926-08
Initiation of proceedings regarding Haidbauer incident

In August 1926, proceedings were initiated regarding the Haidbauer incident where Ludwig Wittgenstein hit a pupil causing him to collapse. A psychiatric report was ordered, and hearings were ongoing.

1929
Return to Cambridge and Publication of Philosophical Investigations

After working in various professions, Wittgenstein returned to Cambridge in 1929. He was awarded a Ph.D. for the Tractatus and developed a new philosophical method leading to his posthumously published work, the Philosophical Investigations.

1930
Wittgenstein's Ethical Attitude

In 'Culture and Value', Wittgenstein discusses the concept of rules of life being depicted in pictures and emphasizes that these pictures can only describe actions, not justify them. He highlights the importance of conduct based on understanding rather than justification.

1931-08-23
Wittgenstein's Letter to G. E. Moore about Otto Weininger

In a letter dated 23 August 1931, Wittgenstein discussed the controversial philosopher Otto Weininger with G. E. Moore, highlighting the importance of Weininger's mistakes and the truths they reveal.

1933
Wittgenstein challenges traditional theories of meaning

In 1933, Wittgenstein challenged traditional theories of meaning in philosophy by questioning the idea that meaning comes from something external to the proposition. He introduced the concept that the life of a sign is its essence.

1935
Considered Training to Become a Psychiatrist

In 1935, Ludwig Wittgenstein seriously considered leaving his academic job to pursue training as a psychiatrist.

1936
Wittgenstein's confessions to former students

In 1936, Ludwig Wittgenstein visited the village where he had taught ten years earlier to personally confess and ask for pardon from the children he had hit. This act was part of his efforts to dismantle his pride.

1938
First Impressions of Wittgenstein

Norman Malcolm, a post-graduate research fellow at Cambridge, describes his initial encounter with Ludwig Wittgenstein at a meeting of the Moral Science Club. Malcolm was surprised by Wittgenstein's youthful appearance and commanding presence, noting his distinctive features and intense demeanor.

1939-04-12
Wittgenstein becomes a British subject

After G. E. Moore resigned as the chair in philosophy, Wittgenstein was elected as his successor in 1939. He was naturalized as a British subject shortly after on April 12, 1939.

1941-09
Wittgenstein starts working at Guy's Hospital

In September 1941, Ludwig Wittgenstein asked John Ryle for a manual job at Guy's Hospital in London, as he felt he would die slowly if left at Cambridge. He started working as a dispensary porter, delivering drugs and advising patients not to take them.

1942-04-01
Wittgenstein expresses despair about the future

On 1 April 1942, Wittgenstein wrote about his lack of hope for the future, feeling friendless and joyless. He underwent an operation to remove a gallstone at Guy's Hospital.

1943-04-29
Wittgenstein moves to Newcastle upon Tyne

In April 1943, Wittgenstein moved to Newcastle upon Tyne to work as a laboratory assistant studying wound shock. He associated with Dr. Erasmus Barlow, a descendant of Charles Darwin, during his time there.

1944-10
Return of Wittgenstein and Bertrand Russell to Cambridge

Wittgenstein returned to Cambridge around the same time as Russell, who had been living in the United States. Russell's writings on morals and religion faced backlash in America. Wittgenstein and Russell had differing opinions on each other's works.

1945
Preparation of Philosophical Investigations manuscript

In 1945, Ludwig Wittgenstein prepared the final manuscript of the Philosophical Investigations but withdrew it from publication at the last minute, only authorizing its posthumous publication.

1946-09-30
Wittgenstein's disillusionment with Cambridge

In the summer of 1946, Wittgenstein considered resigning from his position at Cambridge due to his dismay with the state of philosophy. He fell in love with a medical student named Ben Richards.

1946-10-25
Meeting between Karl Popper and Ludwig Wittgenstein

A meeting took place at Richard Braithwaite's rooms in King's College, Cambridge, where Karl Popper and Ludwig Wittgenstein engaged in a heated debate. Wittgenstein famously waved a hot poker and demanded an example of a moral rule from Popper.

1947-05
Wittgenstein addresses Oxford philosophers

In May 1947, Wittgenstein addressed a group of Oxford philosophers at the Jowett Society, discussing Descartes' Cogito ergo sum. He applied his own philosophical method, which was not well-received by Harold Arthur Prichard.

1949-04
Wittgenstein stays with Norman Malcolm in Ithaca, New York

In April 1949, Ludwig Wittgenstein accepted an invitation from Norman Malcolm to stay with him and his wife in Ithaca, New York, despite feeling unwell.

1950-02-11
Wittgenstein's sister Hermine dies

On February 11, 1950, Ludwig Wittgenstein's sister Hermine passed away in Vienna, causing him great sorrow.

1951-04
Death of Ludwig Wittgenstein

In April 1951, the renowned philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein passes away.

1951-04-28
Wittgenstein's death

On April 28, 1951, Ludwig Wittgenstein passed away after completing his final manuscript, leaving behind a legacy in philosophy.

1951-04-29
Death of Ludwig Wittgenstein

Ludwig Josef Johann Wittgenstein passed away on April 29, 1951 in Cambridge, England. He was a highly influential philosopher of the twentieth century, particularly in the analytic school.

1953
Publication of 'Philosophical Investigations'

In 1953, the book 'Philosophical Investigations' by Ludwig Wittgenstein was posthumously published. It is considered one of the most important books of 20th-century philosophy.

1958
Publication of The Blue and Brown Books

The Blue and Brown Books were published in 1958 in Oxford. These books are a collection of philosophical writings by Ludwig Wittgenstein.

1959
Publication of An Introduction to Wittgenstein’s Tractatus

In 1959, G. E. M. Anscombe published 'An Introduction to Wittgenstein’s Tractatus' in London under Hutchinson. The book serves as an introductory guide to Wittgenstein's work 'Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus'.

1960
Semantic Analysis by Paul Ziff

A book focusing on semantic analysis published by Paul Ziff in 1960.

1961
Publication of Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus

In 1961, 'Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus' by Ludwig Wittgenstein was published, translated by D. F. Pears and B. F. McGuinness, making it more accessible to English-speaking audiences.

1963
Publication of Philosophical Investigations

Philosophical Investigations is considered one of Wittgenstein's main works from his late period in analytic philosophy.

1965
The Blue and Brown Books

Harper Perennial published a new edition of Ludwig Wittgenstein's 'The Blue and Brown Books' in 1965.

1966
Essays on Wittgenstein’s Tractatus published

A collection of essays edited by I.M. Copi and R.W. Beard focusing on Wittgenstein's Tractatus was published in London by Routledge in 1966.

1967
Publication of Letters from Ludwig Wittgenstein

A collection of letters written by Ludwig Wittgenstein, along with a memoir, was published in 1967. These letters provide insights into Wittgenstein's thoughts and personal life.

1969
On Certainty published

Wittgenstein's 'On Certainty' explores the relationship between knowledge and certainty, which has had a significant impact on the philosophy of action.

1971
Publication of Philosophicus

The book 'Philosophicus' was published in 1971, edited by B. F. McGuinness, T. Nyberg, and G. H. von Wright, with translations by D. F. Pears and B. F. McGuinness. It was published by Cornell University Press in Ithaca.

1972
Wittgenstein and Justice: On the Significance of Ludwig Wittgenstein for Social and Political Thought

Hannah Pitkin's book, 'Wittgenstein and Justice', delves into the impact of Ludwig Wittgenstein's philosophy on social and political thought, emphasizing the importance of his ideas in these areas.

1973
Publication of Wittgenstein’s Vienna

Allan Janik and Stephen Toulmin's book 'Wittgenstein’s Vienna' was published in 1973, exploring the intellectual and cultural environment of Vienna that influenced Ludwig Wittgenstein.

1974
Publication of Understanding Wittgenstein

The book 'Understanding Wittgenstein' edited by G. Vesey was published in 1974 by Cornell University Press. It provides insights and interpretations on Wittgenstein's philosophy.

1976
Wittgenstein’s Lectures on the Foundations of Mathematics

Lectures on the foundations of mathematics by Ludwig Wittgenstein, edited by C. Diamond and published in 1976 by Cornell University Press.

1977
Remarks on Colour published

Wittgenstein's 'Remarks on Colour' delves into Goethe's Theory of Colours, offering insights and reflections on the subject.

1979
Publication of On Certainty

On Certainty was compiled posthumously from Wittgenstein's notes and reflects his thoughts from the last year and a half of his life.

1980
Publication of Analytical Commentary on Wittgenstein's Investigations

In 1980, Oxford philosophers G.P. Baker and P.M.S. Hacker released the first volume of an analytical commentary on Ludwig Wittgenstein's 'Investigations'. This project aimed to provide a detailed analysis and interpretation of Wittgenstein's work.

1981
Publication of 'Wittgenstein’s Tractatus: An Introduction'

The book 'Wittgenstein’s Tractatus: An Introduction' by H. O. Mounce was published in 1981, providing an introduction to Wittgenstein's Tractatus.

1982
Publication of Last Writings on the Philosophy of Psychology

The Last Writings on the Philosophy of Psychology were published in two volumes, vol. 1 in 1982 and vol. 2 in 1992, in Oxford by G. H. von Wright and H. Nyman. These writings delve into the philosophical aspects of psychology.

1983
Remarks on the Foundations of Mathematics

The revised edition of 'Remarks on the Foundations of Mathematics' translated by G.E.M. Anscombe was released by The MIT Press in 1983.

1984
Wittgenstein on Meaning

Colin McGinn's book 'Wittgenstein on Meaning' was published in 1984, focusing on Wittgenstein's views and theories regarding the concept of meaning. The book provides insights into Wittgenstein's philosophical ideas on language and communication.

1985
Volume 2 of an Analytical Commentary on the Philosophical Investigations

The second extensively revised edition of Volume 2 of an Analytical Commentary on the Philosophical Investigations was released in 2009 by Blackwell in Oxford.

1986
Wittgenstein: Nothing is Hidden

An account of Wittgenstein's philosophy from the perspective that the Tractatus advanced theses later attacked.

1988
Publication of 'Wittgenstein, a Life: Young Wittgenstein (1889–1929)' by Brian McGuinness

Brian McGuinness published 'Wittgenstein, a Life: Young Wittgenstein (1889–1929)' in 1988, focusing on the early years of Ludwig Wittgenstein's life.

1989
Publication of Wittgenstein: Attention to Particulars

The book edited by D. Z. Phillips and Peter Winch in 1989 delves into Wittgenstein's attention to particulars.

1990
Wittgenstein: Meaning and Mind

P. M. S. Hacker's work 'Wittgenstein: Meaning and Mind' from 1990 delves into the concepts of meaning and mind in Wittgenstein's philosophy.

1991
On Certainty

A new edition of 'On Certainty' edited by G.E.M. Anscombe and George Henrik von Wright was published by Blackwell Publishing Professional in 1991.

1992
Wittgenstein, An Introduction

Joachim Schulte's concise introduction to Wittgenstein's philosophy with excerpts from his work.

1994
Publication of Wittgenstein's philosophy of mathematics

In 1994, a book focusing on Wittgenstein's philosophy of mathematics was published. It delves into his unique perspective on the nature of mathematics and its relation to philosophy.

1995
Publication of Wittgenstein: A Way of Seeing by Judith Genova

In 1995, Judith Genova published 'Wittgenstein: A Way of Seeing' in New York, offering a unique perspective on Wittgenstein's philosophy.

1996
Publication of Wittgenstein’s Place in Twentieth-century Analytic Philosophy

P. M. S. Hacker's book 'Wittgenstein’s Place in Twentieth-century Analytic Philosophy' was published in 1996, discussing Ludwig Wittgenstein's significant role in the development of analytic philosophy in the 20th century.

1997
Publication of 'Wittgensteins Wende zu seiner Spätphilosophie 1930–1932' by Wolfgang Kienzler

In 1997, Wolfgang Kienzler published 'Wittgensteins Wende zu seiner Spätphilosophie 1930–1932', providing a historical and systematic overview of Ludwig Wittgenstein's late philosophy.

1999
Survey Ranking of Philosophical Investigations

In 1999, a survey among American university and college teachers ranked the Philosophical Investigations as the most important book of 20th-century philosophy. It was considered a crossover masterpiece appealing across diverse philosophical orientations.

2000
Wittgenstein’s Nachlass: The Bergen Electronic Edition

The Bergen Electronic Edition of Wittgenstein's Nachlass was published in 2000 by Oxford University Press. It is a comprehensive electronic edition of Ludwig Wittgenstein's unpublished writings and notes.

2001-09-03
Objects on Wittgenstein's Grave

Various small objects, including coins, a lemon, a pork pie, a Mr Kipling cupcake, and a Buddhist prayer wheel, have been placed on Ludwig Wittgenstein's grave over the years, as reported in a letter to the editor from Nick Ingham in The Times.

2002-11-08
First Publication of Ludwig Wittgenstein Entry in Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy

The entry on Ludwig Wittgenstein was first published on November 8, 2002 in the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. It provides an in-depth analysis of the philosopher's work and contributions.

2003-11
Premiere of Wittgenstein's Music Fragment

In November 2003, the only known fragment of music composed by Ludwig Wittgenstein was premiered, a piece lasting less than half a minute.

2004
Publication of 'Wittgenstein’s Philosophical Investigations: An Introduction'

In 2004, David G. Stern published a book titled 'Wittgenstein’s Philosophical Investigations: An Introduction' through Cambridge University Press.

2005-02-19
Philosopher's Rare 'Other Book' by Wittgenstein on Sale

Charles Ezard reports on the proofs of a children's spelling dictionary by Ludwig Wittgenstein being put up for sale, potentially fetching a high price.

2006-04-23
Wittgenstein and Kierkegaard

Charles Creegan's work delves into the relationship between Ludwig Wittgenstein and Søren Kierkegaard.

2007-03-03
Ludwig Wittgenstein's School Records Posted on University of Passau Website

Some school records of Ludwig Wittgenstein have been posted on the University of Passau website, including references to the texts he studied as a student.

2008
Publication of Routledge Philosophy Guidebook

In 2008, Michael Morris published the 'Routledge Philosophy Guidebook'.

2009
Publication of Elucidating the Tractatus

In 2009, the book 'Elucidating the Tractatus' was published by Oxford University Press.

2010
Publication of 'Wittgenstein in Exile'

In 2010, James C. Klagge released 'Wittgenstein in Exile', a book focusing on Ludwig Wittgenstein's life during his self-imposed exile.

2011
The Oxford Handbook of Wittgenstein

A handbook edited by Oskari Kuusela and Marie McGinn in 2011, providing comprehensive insights into the philosophy of Ludwig Wittgenstein.

2012
Wittgenstein’s Metaphilosophy

The book 'Wittgenstein’s Metaphilosophy' by Paul Horwich was published in 2012. It delves into the philosophical ideas and perspectives of Ludwig Wittgenstein.

2013
Publication of Wittgenstein and the Philosophical Investigations, 2nd revised edition

The second revised edition of Wittgenstein and the Philosophical Investigations was published by Routledge in 2013.

2014
Publication of Routledge Philosophy Guidebook to Wittgenstein and On Certainty

In 2014, Andy Hamilton authored the 'Routledge Philosophy Guidebook to Wittgenstein and On Certainty', providing a comprehensive guide to Wittgenstein's work and his views on certainty.

2015-01-02
Wittgenstein's Jet BBC Radio 4 programme

A BBC Radio 4 programme aired on January 2, 2015, discussing Wittgenstein's work or life.

2016
Publication of Portraits of Wittgenstein

In 2016, 'Portraits of Wittgenstein' was published by F. A. Flowers and Ian Ground, offering insights into different aspects of Ludwig Wittgenstein's life and work.

2017
Publication of Wittgenstein and the Philosophy of Language: The Legacy of the Philosophical Investigations

Thomas McNally's book 'Wittgenstein and the Philosophy of Language: The Legacy of the Philosophical Investigations' was published in 2017 by Cambridge University Press.

2018
Publication of 'Wittgenstein, Religion and Ethics' by M. Burley

In 2018, M. Burley published a book focusing on the relationship between Wittgenstein's philosophy and topics of religion and ethics.

2019
Reading Wittgenstein with Anscombe, Going On to Ethics

The book 'Reading Wittgenstein with Anscombe, Going On to Ethics' was published in 2019.

2020
Publication of Wittgenstein’s Heirs and Editors

The book 'Wittgenstein’s Heirs and Editors' was published in 2020 by C. Erbacher, focusing on the successors and editors of Ludwig Wittgenstein's work.

2021-10-20
Substantive Revision of Ludwig Wittgenstein Entry in Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy

On October 20, 2021, the entry on Ludwig Wittgenstein in the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy underwent a substantive revision. This update likely included new insights and interpretations of Wittgenstein's philosophy.

2022
Ludwig Wittgenstein's Influence on Logic

In 2022, the impact of Ludwig Wittgenstein, a prominent philosopher known for his work in logic, continues to shape the field of philosophy and logic.

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Ludwig Wittgenstein
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