A Wittgensteinian Answer to Strawson’s Descriptive Metaphysics

Abstract

This paper assesses an ambiguity in Strawson's exposition of his project of
descriptive metaphysics. This ambiguity, which is traced back to Strawson's
Kantianism, affects the method of Strawson's project: connective–in contrast with
reductive–analysis. I argue that, due to its Kantianism, Strawson's project,
notwithstanding its affinity with the later Wittgenstein, is unable to team up with
the full potential of Wittgenstein's linguistic analysis.