Alfred Jules Ayer Books
October 29, 1910 – June 27, 1989
Sir Alfred Jules Ayer was a pivotal figure in logical positivism, advocating for a rational and empirical understanding of the world. His work focused on analyzing language and logic to distinguish meaningful propositions from nonsensical ones. Ayer's style was characterized by its clarity and precision, making complex philosophical concepts accessible to a wider audience. He believed philosophy's role was to clarify thought and critically examine claims.
Language, Truth and Logic
- 126 pages
- 5 hours of reading
The verification principle of logical positivism is at the heart of this classic philosophical work by Alfred Jules Ayer, written when he was just 25. It explores the role of empirical evidence in establishing truths and probabilities, offering a compelling argument for the necessity of verifiability in philosophical discourse. Ayer's insights challenge traditional views and provide a clear framework for understanding philosophical problems through the lens of objective methods. This influential text remains a significant contribution to 20th-century philosophy.
The fame of Ludwig Wittgenstein as one the most important and original philosophers of the century-and also as an intense, magnetic personality-has grown steadily since his death in 1951.
Pragmatism and The Meaning of Truth
- 400 pages
- 14 hours of reading
Pragmatism is the most famous single work of American philosophy. Its sequel, The Meaning of Truth , is its imperative and inevitable companion. The definitive texts of both works are here available for the first time in one volume, with an introduction by the distinguished contemporary philosopher A. J. Ayer.In Pragmatism , William James attacked the transcendental, rationalist tradition in philosophy and tried to clear the ground for the doctrine he called radical empiricism. When first published, the book caused an uproar. It was greeted with praise, hostility, ridicule. Determined to clarify his views, James collected nine essays he had written on this subject before he wrote Pragmatism and six written later in response to criticisms by Bertrand Russell and others. He published The Meaning of Truth in 1909, the year before his death.These two works show James at his best full of verve and good humor. Intent upon making difficult ideas clear, he is characteristically vigorous in his effort to make them prevail.
