An Analysis of the Transition in Wittgenstein’s Philosophy: A Momentary Revolution or a Dialectical Result?
In this study, we aim to offer a plausible explanation of the intellectual transition between the early and later periods Ludwig Wittgenstein. In the secondary literature, this shift is generally and commonly taken as a philosophical metamorphosis that took place as a result of many momentary inspirations or conversions. But in this paper, our main argument is that this shift is a result of a dialectical process, not a momentary metamorphosis. In this context, by focusing on Wittgenstein’s transition-period thoughts which are commonly ignored, we aim to discuss the reasons why the philosophical shift between his early and later thoughts took place by delving into the theoretical problems in Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus. And to achieve this aim, we will focus on the critical influence of Pierro Sraffa and Prank P. Ramsey on Wittgenstein, and we will also examine the problems of color propositions that led him to abandon his thoughts in Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus. We conclude that the shift in Wittgenstein’s philosophy was not a momentary metamorphosis; but a result of a dialectical process, which we interpret as progress of contrary thoughts confronting each other.
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