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Wittgenstein, Wittgensteinianism, and magic: a philosophical tragedy?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 May 2003

D. Z. PHILLIPS
D. Z. PHILLIPS
Affiliation:
Department of Philosophy, University of Wales Swansea, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP School of Religion, Claremont Graduate University, Claremont, CA 91711
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Abstract

This paper takes issue with remarks by Brian Clack on the manner in which Wittgensteinian philosophers have interpreted religion. Clack attributes an expressivist interpretation of religion to Wittgensteinians. By reference to my own writings, and to those of Rush Rhees, I show how wide of the mark is this gloss on the Wittgensteinian tradition's approach to religion. In particular, the view that magico-religious rituals are cathartic is demonstrated to be one that Wittgensteinians have been keen to attack, rather than defend. The conclusion of the paper emphasizes the point that Wittgenstein and Wittgensteinians have been concerned with denying the appropriateness of producing a general theory of religion or magic. Hence, they have no need of an expressive theory.

Type
Research Article
Information
Religious Studies , Volume 39 , Issue 2 , June 2003 , pp. 185 - 201
Copyright
© 2003 Cambridge University Press

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