How Wittgenstein sought a more effective way of reaching his audience by a poetic style of doing philosophy. Ludwig Wittgenstein once said, "Really one should write philosophy only as one writes poetry." In Wittgenstein's Artillery, James Klagge shows how, in search of ways to reach his audience, Wittgenstein tried a more poetic style of doing philosophy. Klagge argues that, deploying this new philosophical "artillery"--Klagge's term for Wittgenstein's methods of influencing his readers and students--Wittgenstein moved from an esoteric mode to an evangelical mode, aiming for an effect on his audience that was noncognitive, appealing to the temperament in addition to the intellect. Wittgenstein was an artillery spotter--directing artillery fire to targets--in the Austrian army during World War I, and Klagge argues that, years later, he became a philosophical spotter, struggling to find the right artillery to accomplish his philosophical purpose. Klagge shows how Wittgenstein's work with his students influenced his style of writing philosophy and motivated him to care about the effect of his ideas on his audience. To illustrate Wittgenstein's evolving approach, Klagge draws on not only Wittgenstein's best-known works but also such lesser-known material as notebooks, dictations, lectures, and recollections of students. Klagge then goes beyond Wittgenstein to present a range of literature--biblical parables and children's stories, Dostoevsky and Tolstoy, Kierkegaard and Nietzsche--as other examples of the poetic approach. He concludes by offering his own attempts at a poetic approach to addressing philosophical issues.

"Original interpretation of Wittgenstein's life and work. Argues that W's military experience in WWI subtly influenced his conception of how philosophy should be understood and practiced"--

A collection of essays exploring the relationship between Wittgenstein's life and his philosophy.

Ludwig Wittgenstein (1889-1951) was an extraordinarily original philospher, whose influence on twentieth-century thinking goes well beyond philosophy itself. In this book, which aims to make Wittgenstein's thought accessible to the general non-specialist reader, A. C. Grayling explains the nature and impact of Wittgenstein's views. He describes both his early and later philosophy, the differences and connections between them, and gives a fresh assessment of Wittgenstein's continuing influence on contemporary thought. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

Count Philip de Segur's 'The History of the Russian Campaign' provides a detailed and meticulous account of Napoleon's ill-fated invasion of Russia in 1812. Written in a captivating narrative style, the book delves into the strategic blunders, political intrigues, and military tactics that ultimately led to the downfall of the French army. Count de Segur's firsthand experiences as an aide-de-camp to Napoleon add a sense of authenticity and depth to the historical events described in the book. The author's rich descriptions and vivid storytelling make the reader feel as though they are witnessing the events unfold firsthand. The 'History of the Russian Campaign' is a valuable primary source for scholars and history enthusiasts interested in the Napoleonic Wars and military history in general. Count Philip de Segur's unique perspective and insightful analysis make this book a must-read for anyone seeking to understand one of the most significant military campaigns in European history.