Wittgenstein and Heidegger by David Egan

Wittgenstein and Heidegger by David Egan

Ludwig Wittgenstein and Martin Heidegger are arguably the two most influential philosophers of the twentieth century. Their work not only reshaped the philosophical landscape, but also left its mark on other disciplines, including political science, theology, anthropology, ecology, mathematics, cultural studies, literary theory, and architecture.

Both sought to challenge the assumptions governing the traditions they inherited, to question the very terms in which philosophy’s problems had been posed, and to open up new avenues of thought for thinkers of all stripes. And despite considerable differences in style and in the traditions they inherited, the similarities between Wittgenstein and Heidegger are striking.

Comparative work of these thinkers has only increased in recent decades, but no collection has yet explored the various ways in which Wittgenstein and Heidegger can be drawn into dialogue. As such, these essays stage genuine dialogues, with aspects of Wittgenstein’s elucidations answering or problematizing aspects of Heidegger’s, and vice versa. The result is a broad-ranging collection of essays that provides a series of openings and provocations that will serve as a reference point for future work that draws on the writings of these two philosophers.

"This volume gathers together bold and innovative attempts to present the affinities and measure the differences between two thinkers who have left an indelible impression on the philosophical landscape"

--Tom Greaves, University of East Anglia

"This is leading-edge scholarship that breaks new ground. In fact, the authors go beyond scholarship to doing good philosophy by riding on Heidegger’s and Wittgenstein’s shoulders. The authors are more concerned about getting the two thinkers ‘right’ with each other for new philosophical discoveries than getting the interpretation of each of the philosophers’ difficult texts right."

-- Nicholas F. Gier, University of Idaho

"Even those who consider themselves well-versed in the works of Heidegger and Wittgenstein are sure to find this book worth their time and offering new directions for future research. Overall, the anthology is excellent."

--Timothy J. Nulty, University of Massachussets-Dartmouth in Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews

David Egan is Lecturer in Philosophy at Christ Church, University of Oxford, UK.

Stephen Reynolds completed his Doctor of Philosophy at Oriel College, Oxford, before teaching at Magdalen and New Colleges. He is currently an Astbury Scholar at Middle Temple.

Aaron James Wendland is a doctoral student at Somerville College, Oxford, UK.