Wittgenstein, Frazer and Religion expounds and analyses the argument of Wittgenstein's Remarks on Frazer's Golden Bough . It details the reasons for Wittgenstein's rejection of the intellectualist theory of religion, and suggests a new interpretation of his rival view of ritual. Denying that Wittgenstein's account is straightforwardly expressivist, the author builds his own interpretation on Wittgenstein's claim that magic is akin to metaphysics. In the course of the book, the author considers such matters as expressivism, 'perspicuous representation', the nature of human sacrifice, and...

There is no general introduction to Wittgenstein's philosophy of religion. Brian Clack provides a much-needed primer in Wittgenstein's thought as it relates to religious belief. This text provides a guide to the essentials of Wittgenstein's philosophy, particularly in the philosophy of religion. Students are introduced to the early and later work, and the different accounts of language and meaning they offer. The book will provide an overview of Wittgenstein's writings on religion, and an assessment of his influence in contemporary debates.

This text combines an introduction to the themes traditionally covered in the philosophy of religion with contemporary developments in the discipline, such as natural histories of religion and feminist approaches.