This thesis explores the relationship between philosophy of science and Wittgenstein's philosophical method. It aims to answer the question: Is there a philosophy of science in Wittgenstein’s...Show moreThis thesis explores the relationship between philosophy of science and Wittgenstein's philosophical method. It aims to answer the question: Is there a philosophy of science in Wittgenstein’s philosophical method? It is concluded that such a connection exists and that this is supported by direct philosophical remarks by Wittgenstein. A central challenge faced by philosophy of science as field, is its perceived detachment from scientific practice and the limitations of philosophical analysis of scientific concepts. By focusing on philosophy of science from a meta-philosophical perspective, the field can be linked to Wittgenstein and his philosophical method, which is defined by conceptual analysis. Recent publications of conversations with Rush Rhees provide several direct remarks by Wittgenstein on the relationship between philosophy and science. Contrary to interpretations suggesting that Wittgenstein completely separates philosophy and science, I argue that his remarks to Rush Rhees suggest the fields can be related in accordance with Wittgenstein’s philosophical method. This thesis is structured as follows: firstly, issues pertaining to philosophy of science are related to Wittgenstein’s philosophical method. Thereafter I set out what characterizes his method. Subsequently I analyze his explicit remarks on the topic from conversations with Rush Rhees, complemented by various other remarks by Wittgenstein on this subject. I identify two types of connections from these remarks, which are dealt with in two chapters: conceptual analysis as tool for the scientist and philosophically understanding science as activity.Show less
This thesis proposes a Wittgensteinian reading of Alberto Caeiro, one of Fernando Pessoa's principal heteronyms. By closely studying Wittgenstein's and Caeiro's poetic imagery, striking...Show moreThis thesis proposes a Wittgensteinian reading of Alberto Caeiro, one of Fernando Pessoa's principal heteronyms. By closely studying Wittgenstein's and Caeiro's poetic imagery, striking similarities between their poetic philosophy and philosophical poetry will come to the fore. In addition, with Kierkegaard I will argue that Wittgenstein and Caeiro can be considered 'subjective thinkers'.Show less
