'Description Alone' and the Future of Philosophy

Abstract

Many philosophers take exception to Wittgenstein's bold injunction that, "…we may not
advance any kind of theory. There must not be anything hypothetical in our
considerations. We must do away with all explanation, and description alone must take
its place." (PI 119). This is often regarded as nothing short of betrayal of
philosophy; a lowering of our sights. For many it is seen as the abandonment of a
much more creditable and noble end; that of distinguishing appearance from reality,
of getting at the true nature of things.