Wittgenstein and the Social Sciences

In Wittgenstein and the Social Sciences, Robert Vinten takes a fresh look at the relationship between Wittgensteins philosophy and the social sciences. He argues that although social sciences are quite different to the natural sciences, they are nonetheless properly called sciences. The book looks in detail at whether Wittgenstein can be claimed by conservatives, liberals, or socialists as their own. Wittgensteins philosophical remarks and remarks about politics and culture are taken into account in deciding where to locate Wittgenstein in relation to various ideologies. In the final part of the book, Vinten considers how Wittgensteins philosophy can be of use in resolving or dissolving problems in the social sciences. Along the way, he critically assesses work from Perry Anderson, Terry Eagleton, Richard Rorty, and Chantal Mouffe in the light of Wittgensteins philosophical oeuvre. The book makes a compelling examination of how Wittgensteins work remains as relevant as ever to thinking about our cultural and political situation.