Conclusion: The Place of Wittgenstein

Abstract

The hermeneutic literature in Wittgenstein will benefit from following the rules of hermeneutics more closely. This will suit the view of him as a moralist. And then, although he thought he was great and would have been disappointed to learn that he was not, if this option is to be overruled, this should not be taken as self-understood. Even though commentators take for granted that his influence was beneficial, they have to discuss it, and to be ready to consider seriously some criticism of his views and of his lifework. On the whole, as far as the concern is with the verdict on Wittgenstein, at present the jury is still out.