
Simply Wittgenstein
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Narrated by:
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Joff Manning
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By:
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James C. Klagge
About this listen
Born in Vienna into an extremely wealthy and highly cultured family, Ludwig Wittgenstein (1889-1951) grew up surrounded by art, music, and a disturbing amount of dysfunctional behavior. After studying mechanical engineering and developing an interest in aeronautics, he became obsessed with mathematics and logic, which led to his life's work exploring the relationship between language, philosophy, and reality.
In Simply Wittgenstein, James Klagge presents a fascinating portrait of this brilliant and troubled man, while exploring his two extraordinary books - the Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus and Philosophical Investigations - in which he gave concrete form to his singular and perplexing ideas. Drawing on 30 years of teaching about Wittgenstein at both the undergraduate and graduate level, Klagge provides a clear and accessible introduction to these seminal works, helping the reader understand the revolutionary nature of Wittgenstein’s insights and the reason they continue to resonate in our own time.
©2016 James C. Klagge (P)2017 Simply CharlyListeners also enjoyed...
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What listeners say about Simply Wittgenstein
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Ale
- 10-18-17
Well explained, clearly spoken, simply enjoyable.
A lovely walk through Wittgenstein's work.
Quotes were delivered elegantly.
The contextualization of Wittgenstein's ideas within his biographical timeline really helped get a better picture of his peculiar philosophy.
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1 person found this helpful
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- Daman
- 05-30-17
Great insight on Wittgenstein
If you could sum up Simply Wittgenstein in three words, what would they be?
Informational, Insightful, and Fascinating
Any additional comments?
This review copy audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost."
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1 person found this helpful
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- Adam
- 05-08-17
Your first stop for understanding Wittgenstein.
I was absolutely delighted by this audiobook! I've been dabbling in Wittgenstein for the last decade or so, after two other introductions to Wittgenstein's life, both of which slandered the man in my exclamation, and gave no helpful insight into hos work, along comes this insightful introduction. Along with setting the stage for understanding his work, we receive helpful insight into how we should read both the Tractatus and his Philosophical Investigations. Klagge is the tour guide I would've wanted when I was bumbling through one of the worlds most notoriously difficult philosophical texts.
The near raider did a great job. He hit every note precisely! I wasn't even annoyed at his British accent.
If you were ever going to approach Wittgenstein, this is the front door. I can't recommend it heartily enough!
I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.
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4 people found this helpful
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- Fabian
- 04-18-18
Fun, accessible and informative
The best intro to Wittgenstein ever made. The narration is superb also. Buckle up for a ride.
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5 people found this helpful
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- Calinurseguy
- 05-08-17
I think I understand! Yay!
Would you consider the audio edition of Simply Wittgenstein to be better than the print version?
Both enhanced each other
What did you like best about this story?
Good job bringing the understanding to a complex person and his ideas to my level.
What about Joff Manning’s performance did you like?
entertaining with clarity
Any additional comments?
I received this title for free in exchange for an unbiased review.
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2 people found this helpful
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- osama
- 09-13-17
good introduction to Wittgenstein
I tried reading the Tractatus. it was too difficult for me. with this book, I can go back and try again
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1 person found this helpful
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- From Sacramento
- 10-03-20
I read philosophical investigation front to back
the book itself is very succinct and clear
about wittgenstein he showed me that a man can be productive and never have children...
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- Vanity's Vices
- 01-27-25
Wow ch 6
Honestly it was lovely, and then the shock - what the heck was chapter 6 lol with that whiplash on the subject in chapter 7 was uncomfortable.
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