How not to Learn: Reflections on Wittgenstein and Learning

Abstract

It is well known that when considering a particular concept, language game, or linguistic technique, Wittgenstein often asked “How would one teach this?” or “How is it learned?” What is not so often commented upon is that the latter question is frequently framed negatively: “Who would learn anything from this?” — and the implication is that no one could learn anything from the reported remark.

This is a longer version of Macmillan, 1989. It was presented at the 14th International Wittgenstein Symposium of the Austrian Wittgenstein Society in Kirchberg am Wechsel.