The Blue and Brown Books

Two sets of notes that Wittgenstein dictated in English at Cambridge, the Blue Book to his class in 1933–34 and the Brown Book to two students in 1934–35. They were circulated in typescript, named after the colour of their covers, and published together after his death with the subtitle 'Preliminary Studies for the Philosophical Investigations'. The Blue Book begins by asking 'What is the meaning of a word?' and argues that philosophers are misled by a craving for generality and contempt for the particular case, so that they look for a single essence behind each word. Meaning lies in use. Wittgenstein introduces language-games as simple models for studying language, and discusses thinking, expecting, and solipsism, including the different uses of 'I'. The Brown Book is more systematic: it builds a long series of numbered language-games, beginning with a simple builders' language, to show how varied the uses of words are and to examine meaning, understanding and following a rule.

They are the most accessible way into Wittgenstein's later philosophy, showing the main ideas of the Investigations as they first took shape.