Wittgensteins Philosophy in Psychology

This book highlights the importance of Ludwig Wittgensteins writings on psychology and psychological phenomena for the historical development of contemporary psychology. It presents an insightful assessment of the philosophers work, particularly his later writings, which draws on key interpretations that have informed our understanding of metapsychological and psychological issues. Wittgensteins Philosophy in Psychology engages with both critics and followers of the philosophers work to demonstrate its enduring relevance to psychology today. Sullivan presents a novel examination of Wittgensteins later writings by providing historical detail about the uptake, understanding and use of Wittgensteins remarks and method in psychology and related areas of social science, examining persistent sources of conceptual confusion and showing how to apply his insights in investigations of collectives, social life, emotions, subjectivity, and development. In doing so, he reveals the value for psychologists in adopting a philosophical method of conceptual investigation to work through and become more reexive about prominent theories, methods, therapies and practices in their respective, multiple elds and thereby create a resource for future theoretical, empirical and applied psychologists. This work will be of particular relevance to students and academics engaged in the history of psychology and to practitioners interested in understanding the continued importance of Wittgensteins work within the practices of psychology.