Penerbitan dan Penerjemahanan Philosophical Investigations Wittgenstein

Summary

The transcript discusses the history and details of the book *Philosophical Investigations* by Ludwig Wittgenstein, particularly focusing on its translation process. It highlights the role of key translators, including Gertrud Elizabeth Margaret Anscombe, and the involvement of several experts in fields like logic and philosophy. The process of translating, editing, and publishing the book from 1953 onwards is explored, along with challenges such as the complex nature of Wittgenstein’s notes and the editorial work required to organize them. The discussion emphasizes the importance of a collaborative and thorough approach in academic translation.

Takeaways

• 😀 The book 'Philosophical Investigations' was originally published by Basil Blackwell in 1953, with a second edition in 1958.
• 😀 The translator of the book, G. M. Uncam (or possibly U.N.C.A.M), is Gertrud Elizabeth Margaret Anscombe, a well-known figure in analytic philosophy.
• 😀 Anscombe, a key figure in the translation process, was involved in the Cambridge philosophy circle, including close ties to Wittgenstein and other analytic philosophers.
• 😀 The first edition of the book was in English, but subsequent editions included translations in German and Latin to broaden the book's reach.
• 😀 The publishing history of 'Philosophical Investigations' shows a series of editions starting in 1958, followed by multiple reprints throughout the 1960s and 1970s.
• 😀 The early editions were followed by more frequent printings in 1967 and 1968, likely due to increasing political interest in philosophy and the wider availability of translations.
• 😀 The translation process involved several notable experts, including philosophers such as Ris, vonright, Git, and Krisel, each contributing expertise in language and philosophy.
• 😀 The translation team was carefully chosen, with specialists in philosophy, logic, and military studies involved to ensure a thorough understanding of Wittgenstein's original work.
• 😀 Among the contributors to the translation were scholars from a variety of disciplines, including Iris Murdoch, a well-known philosopher and novelist.
• 😀 The transcript emphasizes the importance of serious academic collaboration in translation, highlighting the difference between casually translated works and those done with deep philosophical understanding.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the transcript?

The transcript primarily discusses the history and translation process of Wittgenstein's *Philosophical Investigations*, focusing on the involvement of various scholars and the complexities of translating philosophical works.

Who was the first publisher of *Philosophical Investigations* and when was it first published?

The first publisher of *Philosophical Investigations* was Basil Blackwell, and it was first published in 1953.

Why was there a gap in the publication of *Philosophical Investigations* between 1953 and 1958?

The gap was likely due to a variety of factors, including possible editorial delays and the need for re-translation, as certain sections of the book did not align with the translator's intent.

What role did Gertrud Elizabeth Margaret Anscombe play in the publication?

Gertrud Elizabeth Margaret Anscombe was the translator of the book into English. She was also a significant figure in analytic philosophy and part of the Wittgensteinian circle at Cambridge.

What other languages were involved in the translation of *Philosophical Investigations*?

The book was translated not only into English but also into German and Latin. This expanded its readership beyond English-speaking audiences to include German-speaking readers.

What factors might have influenced the frequent reprints of the book starting in 1967?

The frequent reprints starting in 1967 were likely influenced by the political context and the increasing popularity of analytic philosophy, as well as the book's growing international readership.

How did the translation process involve multiple scholars?

The translation of *Philosophical Investigations* was supported by several notable scholars who assisted in understanding specific linguistic and philosophical nuances, such as von Wright, Ris, Git, and others.

What is the significance of the involvement of figures like von Wright, Git, and Ris in the translation process?

The involvement of scholars like von Wright, Git, and Ris ensured that the translation was philosophically precise, as these figures were experts in Wittgenstein's work and relevant philosophical disciplines.

How did the editors approach Wittgenstein's original writing style for the translation?

The editors faced challenges in organizing Wittgenstein’s fragmented writing style, as his notes were often disjointed. They had to determine how to structure these fragments into coherent sections while maintaining the integrity of his thoughts.

What does the transcript suggest about the tradition of translation in philosophy?

The transcript highlights a difference in translation practices, with the suggestion that in some countries, translation is often left to general translators, rather than involving experts from the field. It critiques this approach, emphasizing the importance of specialized translators in philosophical works.