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Meditating with Wittgenstein: Constructing and Deconstructing the Language Games of Masculinity

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Abstract

Through the example of ideological masculinity , this chapter examines pain language games to reveal some of the ways in which the capacity for empathy in which they are grounded is shaped by those games. Wittgenstein and the Buddhist philosopher Nagarjuna are in philosophical agreement about the nature of the human form of life. It is argued that “the change in the way people live” that Wittgenstein calls for can be most fully achieved through the use of Mindfulness meditation practice which incorporates philosophical study. David Forbes’ work with high school boys illustrates the power of this practice .

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Notes

  1. 1.

    Following convention, titles for Wittgenstein’s works are abbreviated (PI = Philosophical Investigations , Z = Zettel, CV = Culture and Value), with section (§) or page number (p.), with full citation and initials in the References.

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Orr, D. (2017). Meditating with Wittgenstein: Constructing and Deconstructing the Language Games of Masculinity. In: Peters, M., Stickney, J. (eds) A Companion to Wittgenstein on Education. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-3136-6_26

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-3136-6_26

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