Lecture
LTF Lecture with Michael Kremer
- Date
- Thursday 18 April 2024
- Time
- Location
-
Gravensteen
Pieterskerkhof 6
2311 SR Leiden - Room
- 1.11
The Leiden University Centre Theoretical Philosophy is pleased to announce a lecture by Prof. Michael Kremer, Professor of Philosophy at University of Chicago.
Abstract
Wittgenstein in England in the 1930s: as seen through the eyes of Margaret MacDonald
I discuss the reception of Wittgenstein’s thought in England in the years after his return to Cambridge, through considering how one young philosopher at the time, Margaret MacDonald, understood his work, and how her encounter with him shaped her own approach to philosophy. MacDonald is ideally placed to help us to understand Wittgenstein’s place in English philosophy in the decade prior to the Second World War. In 1932-34, she completed a doctoral dissertation under Susan Stebbing on “The Logical Characteristics of Expression,” containing substantial discussion of Wittgenstein. She then went to Girton College, Cambridge as a post-doctoral fellow, where she attended Wittgenstein’s lectures from 1934-1936. Her shifting understanding of Wittgenstein before, during, and after her time at Cambridge, reflects differences in the contemporary reception of his thought. In my talk I draw on unpublished materials, particularly MacDonald’s dissertation, and a lengthy correspondence between MacDonald and Max Black, of which Cheryl Misak and I are preparing an edition.
Attendance at the lectures is free, and there is no need to register. For further questions, please contact Dr. Catharine Diehl at c.e.diehl@phil.leidenuniv.nl
All are welcome!