Abstract

This paper considers the use of Derek Jarman’s film “Wittgenstein” as a valuable resource for those writing upon, thinking about, and teaching Wittgenstein’s philosophy, especially in understanding Wittgenstein’s approach to questions about language and its relationship to reality. The paper begins by considering the role biography plays in philosophical scholarship and how, in the case of Wittgenstein, this has a particularly significant role. Next, the paper describes the form and content of the film before moving to a discussion of strategies for using the film in class. Finally, the paper concludes by arguing that the film is a Wittgensteinian one as it illustrates Wittgenstenian themes by showing them rather than telling them.