The Possibilities of Sense

Remarkable in the range that it covers, The Possibilities of Sense testifies to an equally remarkable philosopher. In essays on ethics and the philosophy of religion, on literature and education, the contributors display not only the breadth of D.Z. Phillips's work but also its power. This power comes largely from Ludwig Wittgenstein, whose significance as a moral and religious philosopher rivals his reputation as a philosopher of language. Phillips, more than anyone else, has taught us to appreciate Wittgenstein in this sense and this book recognizes the importance of them both. Some of the essays which it contains speak directly to Phillips's work; some do not. But they all announce the fact that a 'Wittgensteinian' - now 'Phillipsian' - approach has long since earned its place in the history of philosophy.