The Happy Afterlife of Ludwig W.

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This book presents a compelling philosophical narrative centered on Ludwig Wittgenstein, who published only one philosophical work during his lifetime, the Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus. He left behind a vast collection of unpublished manuscripts and typescripts, exceeding 18,000 pages. In his will, Wittgenstein entrusted three former students—Elizabeth Anscombe, Rush Rhees, and Georg Henrik von Wright—with the responsibility of selecting and publishing his writings. Over the ensuing decades, these literary heirs edited the influential volumes that shaped Wittgenstein's legacy. The essays within this collection explore the efforts of these students to bring their mentor's thoughts to light, challenging the notion of a genius cult that suggests great philosophical works emerge fully formed from an ivory tower. This misconception overlooks the vital role that pupils and followers play in refining and publishing their teachers' ideas. The book sheds light on the often opaque processes involved in transforming a philosopher's raw thoughts into published works, illustrating how the literary tradition in Western philosophy is shaped by these collaborative efforts. Ultimately, it reveals the intricate dynamics behind the creation of a classic philosopher's oeuvre.