On Certainty

On Certainty cover
Good Books rating 4.23
Technical
  • ID: 5412
  • Added: 2025-10-23
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • Publisher: Harper Perennial
  • Published: 1972-09-06
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3

On Certainty delves into the intricate relationship between knowledge, doubt, and certainty, questioning the very foundations of what we believe to be true. Wittgenstein's exploration is not just a philosophical inquiry but a reflection on the nature of human understanding and the limits of language. /n/n This book includes bibliographical references and indexes, providing a comprehensive resource for those interested in the deeper implications of certainty and the philosophy of doubt. It is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of human thought and the nature of belief.

Reviews
www.goodreads.com · 2021-01-01
recommended 4.20

This book is highly recommended for anyone interested in philosophy. It is a good read that offers profound insights and is considered one of the most thought-provoking works by Wittgenstein.

The reviewer highly recommends 'On Certainty' to anyone interested in philosophy. They describe it as a good read that offers profound insights into the nature of certainty, knowledge, and belief. The reviewer appreciates the depth of Wittgenstein's thoughts and the way he challenges conventional understanding. They believe that the book is a valuable contribution to the field of philosophy and offers insights that are relevant to both academics and general readers. The reviewer also notes that the book is part of an ongoing journey into philosophy, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the subject.


Quick quotes

    If you are and have not read this, I'd definitely recommend it.

    My journey into philosophy is ongoing and I have read more by and about Wittgenstein.

    It was certainly a good read.

philarchive.org · M Starks · 2019-01-01
groundbreaking 4.50

This book is considered a groundbreaking achievement in philosophy, worthy of being called Wittgenstein's 'third masterpiece'. It offers profound insights into the nature of certainty, knowledge, and belief.

The reviewer believes that 'On Certainty' is a significant contribution to philosophical thought. They argue that it is a groundbreaking achievement, deserving of the title 'third masterpiece' alongside Wittgenstein's other major works. The book delves deeply into the philosophical problems surrounding concepts such as certainty, knowledge, and belief, providing a comprehensive exploration of these ideas. The reviewer appreciates the depth and originality of Wittgenstein's thoughts, making it a must-read for anyone interested in philosophy.


Quick quotes

    I believe that this is a groundbreaking achievement for philosophy – worthy of calling On Certainty Wittgenstein's 'third masterpiece'.

    This book can be regarded as the foundation stone of psychology and philosophy.

    It offers profound insights into the nature of certainty, knowledge, and belief.

enlightening 4.00

This book is a sustained meditation on the philosophical problems surrounding concepts such as certainty, knowledge, and belief. It is thought-provoking and enlightening, offering a unique perspective on these fundamental questions.

The reviewer describes 'On Certainty' as a profound exploration of the philosophical problems surrounding certainty, knowledge, and belief. They find the book to be thought-provoking and enlightening, providing a unique perspective on these fundamental questions. The reviewer appreciates the depth of Wittgenstein's thoughts and the way he challenges conventional understanding. They believe that the book is a valuable contribution to the field of philosophy and offers insights that are relevant to both academics and general readers.


Quick quotes

    On Certainty is a sustained meditation on the philosophical problems surrounding concepts such as 'certainty', 'knowledge' and 'belief'.

    It is very enlightening.

    Wittgenstein was easily one of the most fantastically thought-provoking philosophers.