The Swansea School of Philosophy
Keeping the legacy of 'The Swansea School' alive
Some Key Figures
Wittgenstein in Swansea
See Alan Sandry's lively introduction here
"I know quite a number of people here whom I like. I seem to find it more easy to get along with them here than in England. I feel much more often like smiling, e.g. when I walk in the street, or when I see children, etc." (Wittgenstein on living in Swansea in a letter to Norman Malcolm) from Ray Monk's outstanding biography "Wittgenstein: The Duty Of Genius"
Wittgenstein was a frequent visitor to Swansea where he enjoyed walks and talks with his close friend Rush Rhees who was appointed as a lecturer of philosophy at Swansea University. Wittgenstein also lived in Swansea on a number of occasions, firstly at Langland Bay and later at Cwmdonkin Terrace (near Dylan Thomas' birthplace). Although Wittgenstein might seem a marginal figure in Swansea University's history, his ideas sparked the formation of the Swansea School of Wittgensteinians who had a major influence on the philosophical field in the latter half of the 20th Century.
From 1942 to 1947, Ludwig Wittgenstein spent time developing his ideas in Swansea. In this new study, author Alan Sandry uncovers the significance of this time to Wittgenstein’s work and in turn his broad influence on students, academics and a plethora of writers from a wide range of disciplines and interests.
The contributors of this collected volume consider Wittgenstein’s philosophy and legacy from a variety of different perspectives. These include analyses of the Swansea School of Wittgensteinians, as well as explanations and assessments of how Wittgenstein spent his time working in Swansea.
Wittgenstein in Swansea also considers Wittgenstein’s personal life and the relationships he fostered during his time in the city. Sandry and contributors provide philosophical, ideological and literary evaluations as well as a range of intimate reflections and commentaries on the life and work of Wittgenstein in Swansea.
FROM LINZ TO LANGLAND
A Journey with Ludwig Wittgenstein
Between 1942-1947 Wittgenstein regularly visited Swansea, primarily to see his friend and former student Rush Rhees, who was lecturing at Swansea University. Together they would work on philosophical matters that eventually become the posthumously published Philosophical Investigations. Wittgenstein thoroughly enjoyed his time in Swansea and he spent a lot of time walking around the city and along its beaches. He met a variety of fascinating characters, some academic, some proletariat. This play by Alan Sandry imagines some of those conversations, which cover a variety of issues.
Wittgenstein arrives in Swansea and is met by Perkins, a cabbie. He is taken to his digs in Langland Road where he interacts with his landlady Mrs Mann. Wittgenstein spend time on campus and two students, Carwyn and Rebecca, have strong opinions about the great philosopher. The key figure of Rush Rhees, sitting in his office, engages in a dialogue with Wittgenstein. One evening Wittgenstein comes across the dramatist and activist Saunders Lewis. They talk politics and related matters. Wittgenstein lodged at two addresses at Cwmdonkin Terrace from 1944-47. In this scene he argues with Reverend Morgan about religion. In 1947 Wittgenstein's partner came to Swansea and Richards took the famous photograph of Wittgenstein at Brynmill Train Station. Wittgenstein loved to wander the bays and this scene sees him contemplating life at Langland Bay. The final scene captures Wittgenstein at High Street Station as he departs Swansea for the last time.
The Cwmdonkin Players in a reading of 'From Linz to Langland'
"an esteemed scholarly journal with a lively readership, publishing articles in every branch of philosophy, including ethics, epistemology, perspectivism, diachrony and synchrony" (Wiley)
The American scholar Frederick Mosedale acted as founding editor of the journal (1978–1982) and when he handed the reins to D. Z. Phillips, professor of philosophy at Swansea University, the publication entered a new era. Phillips championed a vision of philosophy in which “certain possibilities” would remain ever open. Phillips would guide Philosophical Investigations for nearly a quarter-century, followed by a further editorial lineage in the ‘Swansea School’ of thought that included H. O. Mounce (2006–2022) and continues now with Honarary Swansea University Senior Lecturer Mario von der Ruhr as editor-in-chief, who is shaping the journal’s trajectory well into the future.
The British Wittgenstein Society is now officially linked to Philosophical Investigations and this connection has helped ensure that Wittgenstein’s influence remains current and generative. The range of articles, debates and reviews contained in PI mirrors a vital philosophical tradition, shaped more by ongoing practice than by historical reverence.
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