Offers new insights into how Ludwig Wittgenstein understood matters concerning the meaning of life.

Widely considered one of the greatest philosophers of the twentieth century, Ludwig Wittgenstein was deeply interested in the significance of religion and ethics. Although he did not systematically examine religion and the meaning of life in his major published works, Wittgenstein professed that he would at times explore fundamental issues from a religious perspective.

Ludwig Wittgenstein: The Meaning of Lifeis the first compilation of private letters, remarks, and notes regarding Wittgenstein's thoughts and attitudes on ethics, religion, goodness, value, and moral action. With an academic approach, author Joaquín Jareño Alarcón reveals the significance of religion and ethics in Wittgensteins personal experience, corroborates the permanent tension between Wittgenstein and religion, highlights Wittgensteins preoccupation with the basic questions addressed by religious discourse, and more. Chronologically organized texts are accompanied by detailed commentary to illustrate how Wittgensteins interests in religion and ethics were reflected throughout his personal and intellectual evolution.Articulates Wittgensteins ethical point of view on religionFeatures a wide range of primary sources, such as personal commentaries, annotations, lecture notes, and diary entriesIncludes testimony of friends, students, and others with close ties to WittgensteinPresents a balanced view of what Wittgenstein wrote and the recollections of others in his circleDiscusses how the principal intention ofTractatus is to demonstrate the relevance of matters concerning religion and the meaning of life

Ludwig Wittgenstein: The Meaning of Life is essential reading for postgraduate and senior researchers, as well as advanced philosophy students and non-specialists interested in Wittgensteins more humanistic writings and his engagement with religion and ethics.

JOAQUÍN JAREÑO-ALARCÓNis a former Associate Professor of Philosophy of Culture and Philosophical Anthropology at the University of Murcia, Spain, and Assistant Professor of Ethics at the Catholic University of San Antonio, also in Spain. He served as an Academic Visitor at Oxford University and as a Visiting Scholar at Cambridge University. His books includeSecular Portraits: David Hume and John Stuart Mill on the Meaning of Religion (Spanish Edition)andA Brief History of Modern Philosophy.

Introductory Note ix

Acknowledgements xviii

List of Sources xix

Abbreviations xxiv

1 19101920 1

2 19211930 43

3 19311940 79

4 19411951 153

Other Sources 199

Index 227