Was Wittgenstein really necessary?

pp. 33-44

in: Joseph Agassi, Science and society, Berlin, Springer, 1981

Abstract

As a philosopher, I seem to qualify: I am a target for Wittgenstein's onslaught against philosophers. I wonder what am I to do about it. Wittgenstein and his followers claim that metaphysics — with which I happen to be preoccupied — is a violation of grammar and of simple rules of clear thinking. I may accept the charge and be silent about any philosophical issue. I may, on the contrary, ignore their charge and continue with my work on metaphysics, which I find very interesting. Why, at all, should I pay any attention to those who claim that my activity is pointless?