Wittgenstein on Internal and External Relations: Tracing all the Connections

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Does Wittgensteins method of analysis rest on the distinction between internal and external relations Approaching Wittgensteins 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 Wittgensteins 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 Wittgensteins 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.

Reviews

[A] delightful book with a strong thesis. * Philosophical Investigations *
This book is not just another contribution to the debate on the consistency, the nature and purpose of Wittgensteins work. It extends to a variety of topics and interesting issues, which may be of interest to all readers having a sympathy with analytic philosophy in general and Wittgensteins philosophy in particular. * Organon F *
Without doubt Jakub Mcha has made a valuable contribution to research on Wittgenstein ... The study is impressive not only in its vast scope, but because it represents a real step forward in Wittgenstein studies by exploring the significance of an under-studied topic ... It is innovative work. * Wittgenstein-Studien (Bloomsbury translation) *
Taking its lead from the difference between internal and external relations, it offers both a historical account and a systematic discussion of core issues in the interpretation of Wittgenstein as well as in contemporary philosophical debates. Readers who are interested in a new way of looking at Wittgenstein must look at this book. -- Peter Baumann, Professor of Philosophy, Swarthmore College, USA
By 'tracing all the connections', Macha presents us with an overview, in the style of Wittgenstein himself, of the uses of internal and external relations in Wittgenstein's work. I learned a lot by reading it. -- James C. Klagge, Professor of Philosophy, Virginia Tech, USA
Ambitious and closely argued, scholarly, reasonable and detailed, this book provides a compelling interpretation of the unity of Wittgensteins philosophy from the pre-tractarian texts to the Philosophical Investigations. Mchas approach makes real progress in shedding light on some intricate exegetical problems related to Wittgensteins thought. It combines the best of the Continental and the Analytical traditions: an impressive philosophical and historical mastery of the Idealist background shared by Moore, Russell and Wittgenstein, with a densely argued appreciation and elucidation of details. The discussion of difficult pieces of reasoning such as Bradleys arguments against external and internal relations is especially brilliant. Jakub Mcha gives fresh impetus to a debate that has permeated and shaped much of the recent Wittgensteins scholarship. Anyone who is interested in Wittgenstein will enjoy the book. -- Modesto M. Gmez-Alonso, Senior Lecturer in Philosophy, Pontifical University of Salamanca, Spain
Following Wittgenstein, Mcha 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. Mcha 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 Wittgensteins applications and further development of an important philosophical topic. -- Alois Pichler, Wittgenstein Archives, University of Bergen, Norway

Author Bio

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