Reading Wittgenstein with Anscombe, Going On to Ethics

“It is Diamond’s highly original reading of Ludwig Wittgenstein that stands out as her most important and perhaps most lasting contribution… The essays are quite demanding but the fruits gleaned by their engagement are well worth the effort.”—Jonathan Tran, Modern Theology

“In times in which analytic philosophy needs to look at its history, an inspired practitioner of the discipline such as Diamond is a wonderful guide. She is one of the most original contemporary philosophical voices and this is an unusual book, out of step with the massification of academic work in philosophy… It is philosophy at its truest.”—Sofia Miguens, Wittgenstein Studies

“Elucidates and extends Anscombe’s findings. This is required reading for scholars of Wittgenstein, Anscombe, and analytic metaphysics and ethics.”—Choice

“Cora Diamond’s work on the Tractatus is insightful, original, and stimulating; it has been deservedly influential. In this collection, she pursues new themes and deepens the exploration of others. Of particular interest are the fresh connections she draws between reflections on the Tractatus and issues in moral philosophy, where her rich and exciting work has been a game-changer for many.”—Alexander George, Amherst College

“It is becoming increasingly evident to many that Elizabeth Anscombe’s writings on Wittgenstein are just as wonderful as the rest of her work. This book shows what is less appreciated: that Cora Diamond is one of our finest readers of both Wittgenstein and Anscombe.”—James Conant, University of Chicago

“These excellent essays are crucially important in elucidating central questions in the works by Wittgenstein and Anscombe, two of the most important philosophers of the twentieth century. The issues discussed here are fundamental: how we are to understand thoughts, forms of words, and uses of language that relate to our self-understanding, but cannot fit the template we instinctively bring to bear on how language and thought are related to reality.”—James Doyle, Harvard University