This book offers an introduction to the thought of Ludwig Wittgenstein (1889-1951). Wittgenstein's life in its earlier and later periods is considered in chapters that interleave the reviews of the philosophy of language set out in Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus (1921) and Philosophical Investigations (1953). Later chapters discuss Wittgenstein's approach to philosophy and to thinking about religion and ethics. Along the way key ideas on philosophy, and relevant lines of argument that contribute to Wittgenstein's intellectual development are explained. In considering Wittgenstein's thought, the ideas of Bertrand Russell, G E Moore and A N Whitehead, amongst others, are taken in account, and prior to the review of Wittgenstein's approach to ethics the relevant background to ethical thought is discussed.

Stephen Loxton compares and contrasts two of the world's greatest thinkers on the nature of goodness, purpose and the metaphysical views of reality. This guide, pitched just right for the ambitious A level student, will open up the essential differences in the Platonic and Aristotelean worldviews in this core element of Philosophy.