Wittgenstein on string figures as mathematics: A modern ethnological approach to the limits of empiricism. (16th August 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: English, Andrew
• Is Part Of: Philosophical investigations. Volume 46:Number 2(2023)
• Page Start: 135
• Page End: 163
• Publication Date: 2022-08-16
• Subjects: Philosophy -- Periodicals; 100
• DOI: 10.1111/phin.12363
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0190-0536

Abstract

Abstract: Wittgenstein's 'ethnological approach' to the philosophy of mathematics, in particular his discussion of calculation as an experiment and the limits of empiricism in mathematics, is presented against three interrelated backdrops: (1) James' critique of Spencer's evolutionary empiricism, specifically regarding necessary truths; (2) the Cambridge Anthropological Expedition to Torres Straits, led by Haddon and Rivers, whose Reports implicitly confuted Spencer; and (3) the subsequent work of Malinowski, especially his supplement to Ogden and Richards' The Meaning of Meaning, a book sent to Wittgenstein upon its publication in 1923. String figures as mathematics is a main illustrative example.