Philosophical Investigations

Methodology and Conclusions

In his work «Philosophical Investigations», Ludwig Wittgenstein departs from the ideas of logical positivism presented in his previous book «Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus». Wittgenstein's primary method of investigation is the analysis of language, viewing it as an activity or form of life. The philosopher emphasizes the pragmatic aspect of language, pointing out that the meaning of a word is determined by its use in a language game. Wittgenstein calls for a re-examination of philosophical problems through the lens of language analysis, asserting that many of these problems arise from misunderstandings of the logic of our language. He suggests that many philosophical confusions and misconceptions can be resolved or eliminated by carefully considering how we use language in various contexts. Wittgenstein concludes that philosophical problems do not require theoretical solutions but rather clarification and elucidation; the task of philosophy is to therapeutically free us from intellectual misunderstandings caused by language misconceptions.