WITTGENSTEIN: FROM REALISM TO CONVENTIONALISM

Abstract

            This paper discusses and brings into light Ludwig Wittgenstein’s early and later philosophical thought as a movement from realism towards conventionalism. Taking into account both his early and later works, one can say that the early Wittgenstein was an exponent of realism- A philosophical position that claims reality to be objective/ external and independent of us. We argue that, while Language remained the central theme in his philosophy, Wittgenstein moved from realism to conventionalism in his later philosophy. Conventionalism is a philosophical position that emphasizes on conventions and general agreements in a society rather than taking reality as external.