The Philosophy of Georg Henrik von Wright – Logic, Human Agency, and the Limits of Science | The Library of Living Philosophers | Volume XIX, 1989 | Review, Analysis & Summary

The Philosophy of Georg Henrik von Wright, curated by Paul Arthur Schilpp and Lewis Edwin Hahn, represents Volume XXII in the prestigious Library of Living Philosophers series, released in 1989. This volume honors Georg Henrik von Wright (1916–2003), a Finnish philosopher recognized for succeeding Ludwig Wittgenstein at the University of Cambridge and for his impactful contributions in areas such as philosophical logic, action theory, ethics, and critiques of scientific rationality.
This extensive volume encompasses von Wright's philosophical autobiography, significant excerpts from his works, critical essays from distinguished scholars, and von Wright's rebuttals to his critics. It encapsulates the width and depth of his intellect—from the intricate development of deontic and modal logic to profound insights regarding human agency, freedom, ethics, and the limitations of technological advancement.

Who Was Georg Henrik von Wright?

Georg Henrik von Wright was a philosopher from Finland and Sweden whose professional journey enveloped logic, analytic philosophy, and subsequently, cultural and ethical critiques of modernity. While he gained acclaim for his formal contributions to logic and the philosophy of action, he emerged as a significant public thinker advocating for human values and critiquing scientific reductionism.
He is most notably recognized for:

• His role as Ludwig Wittgenstein’s successor at Cambridge (from 1951)
• His prominent influence in modal logic, deontic logic, and epistemic logic

Authoring pivotal works including:

• Explanation and Understanding (1971)
• Norm and Action (1963)
• The Myth of Progress (1993)

Contents of the Volume

This LLP volume adheres to the series' standard structure, allowing readers to thoroughly engage with von Wright's philosophy:

1. Philosophical Autobiography

Von Wright presents a compelling account of his intellectual journey—detailing his education in logic and philosophy in Finland and England, which paved the way for his emergence as a public critic of scientific optimism and instrumental rationality. He reflects on his rapport with Wittgenstein and considers the philosopher's obligations in an era marked by technological prowess.

2. Selections from Von Wright’s Works

These excerpts underscore von Wright’s foundational contributions:

• Deontic logic – exploring norms, duties, and permissions
• Modal logic – addressing necessity and possibility
• Action theory – distinguishing between causal and intentional explanations
• Philosophy of science – especially critiquing scientism and reductionism
• Ethical and cultural writings cautioning against the myth of progress

These selections illustrate his shift from formal logic towards broader philosophical and humanistic issues.

3. Critical Essays

A range of notable philosophers and logicians engage with von Wright’s ideas, notably:

• Dagfinn Føllesdal – discussing intentionality and logic
• Charles Taylor – addressing the understanding of human action
• Jaakko Hintikka, Risto Hilpinen, Ernest Sosa, Frederick Stoutland, among others

Key topics include:

• The characteristics and framework of normative reasoning
• Conflicts between causal explanation and teleological comprehension
• The significance of values and accountability in science and society
• Parallels with Wittgenstein’s later philosophical works

4. Von Wright’s Replies to Critics

Von Wright offers precise and clear responses to the essays, addressing each argument with both technical skill and philosophical thoughtfulness. His replies highlight a strong dedication to clarity, rational discussion, and ethical contemplation in confronting contemporary issues.

Key Themes in Von Wright’s Philosophy

1. Deontic and Modal Logic

Von Wright was an innovator in deontic logic, a field that formalizes ideas such as obligation, permission, and proscription. His foundational work established the groundwork for the systematic study of ethical and legal principles.

2. Action and Explanation

In his work Explanation and Understanding, von Wright made a distinction between causal explanations, which are characteristic of the natural sciences, and intentional explanations, which are key in the human sciences. He posited that grasping human behavior necessitates an acknowledgment of reasons, intentions, and meanings, rather than solely causes.

3. Critique of Scientific Rationality

Von Wright grew increasingly critical of technological rationalism and the illusion of perpetual progress. He cautioned that society's uncritical trust in scientific progress could result in ecological, ethical, and existential dilemmas.

4. Wittgensteinian Influence

As a close companion and literary executor of Ludwig Wittgenstein, von Wright shared worries regarding the impact of language on thought but developed a more structured and formal approach, particularly in the realms of logic and the philosophy of action.

5. Human Agency and Responsibility

Von Wright highlighted that humans are agents, not simply objects, and must be perceived as entities that act with intentions and values. He opposed reductionist tendencies in behavioral science and advocated for the uniqueness of human experience.

Why This Volume Matters

The Philosophy of Georg Henrik von Wright is a crucial read for:

• Students studying logic, ethics, and the philosophy of action
• Researchers interested in the boundaries of scientific explanation
• Individuals investigating post-Wittgensteinian philosophy
• Philosophers pondering the moral and ecological consequences of modernity

This volume offers a rare chance to engage with a thinker who linked formal logic and ethical humanism, whose insights remain remarkably pertinent in the 21st century.