This unique study brings together for the first time two of the most important philosophers of this century. Never before have these two thinkers been compared - and commentators' opinions on their relationship differ greatly. Are the views of Wittgenstein and Quine on method and the nature of philosophy comparable or radically opposed? Does Wittgenstein's concept of language engender that of Quine, or threaten its philosophical foundations?
An understanding of the similarities and differences between the thought of Wittgenstein and of Quine is essential if we are to have a full picture of contemporary philosophy. This collection of essays offers diverse and original ways in which to view their relationship.

Full Contributors:
Peter Hacker, St John's College, Oxford, Burton Dreben, Harvard University, Christopher Hookway, University of Sheffield, Roger Gibson, Washington University, Douglas Winblad, Vassar College, John Canfield, University of Toronto, Hans-Johann Glock, University of Reading, Ilham Dilman, University College of Swansea, Robert Arrington, Georgia State University, Stuart Shanker, York University, John Post, Vanderbilt University

Although there is a vast amount of secondary literature on the "Philosophical Investigations", very little exists which considers the exegesis of this text. The apparently disjointed structure of the book has often been taken as a licence for interpreting passages out of context. This collection aims to show how important it is to consider the arguments which specify or authorize particular readings of certain passages. The essays are by Wittgenstein scholars. All approach the "Investigations" with the conviction that prior to pronouncements of the relevance or tenability of certain remarks one must always carefully consider Wittgenstein's text itself and locate the puzzling passages in their (immediate or original) contexts. Diverse exegetical approaches are represented; while some believe that the "Investigations" can be read as an independent text, others find it essential to look at the context of a particular remark, or of variations on it, in Wittgenstein's other texts. A debate emerges as authors differ in their assessment of the philosophical value of their material. This book should be of interest to advanced students and teachers of philosophy.

First published in 1992. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

MY SHRINKING BRAIN: DANCING AS FAST AS I CAN presents an amazing journey, starting when the author is diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's disease. Accepting is one thing, dealing is another. It offers hope and proffers ways to cope. Presenting updated medical information, doors long closed are broadly opened with candor, compassion and comedic humor. "There's a saying; A little knowledge is a dangerous thing. In my opinion, no knowledge is dangerous. In learning, there is no danger. The more we learn, the more enlightened we become about a disease that's been shrouded in mystery for decades. Mystery, fear, wild conjectures and always with a bad ending," says author Barbara Sharik. "Learning won't change the inevitable ending but it will allow for a safer journey en route... I want to know everything there is to know. It's like lightning striking. Suddenly, out of the blue it matters, and what matters most is that this brain shrinkage is happening to me, right now. My brain is shrinking," she says, adding, "Isn't that the way it often is? Unless you are directly involved, unless it's happening to you personally, it's just background noise. Static on a radio station. Bzzzzzzzzzz. Now, I am dancing as fast as I can." Despite the severity of the disease discussed, this is an enlighteningly unique yet pleasant read. An important book, it will grace the lives of sufferers, their families and caregivers for years to come. The brutality of the disease will frighten you, even as it informs you. Reading a firsthand account, will change you. There is no way that it cannot.