Later Wittgenstein and the Philosophy of Religion

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Abstract

This article sets out by distinguishing Wittgenstein’s own views in the philosophy of religion from a school of thought in the philosophy of religion that relies on later Wittgenstein’s philosophy of language. After a survey of distinguishing features of Wittgenstein’s later philosophy, the third section explores Wittgenstein’s treatment of Frazer’s account of magic among primitive peoples. The following section offers an account of Wittgensteinian philosophy of religion, including the use of the notions of a language game and superstition. I conclude by criticizing a very influential argument of Wittgenstein’s to the effect that the meaning of words like ‘belief’ and ‘object’ varies from context to context without having any one thing in common.
OriginalsprogEngelsk
TidsskriftPhilosophy Compass
Vol/bind5
Udgave nummer11
Sider (fra-til)1013-1022
Antal sider10
ISSN1747-9991
DOI
StatusUdgivet - 29. okt. 2010

Emneord

  • Wittgenstein; magi; religionsfilosofi

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