Arquivos de Neuro-Psiquiatria (Aug 2011)

Wittgenstein, medicine and neuropsychiatry

  • Hélio A.G. Teive,
  • Guilherme Ghizoni Silva,
  • Renato P. Munhoz

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1590/s0004-282x2011000500026
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 69, no. 4
pp. 714 – 716

Abstract

Read online

A historical review is presented of the link between Ludwig Wittgenstein, considered the most important philosopher of the 20th century, and medicine, particularly neurology and psychiatry. Wittgenstein worked as a porter at Guy's Hospital in London, and then as a technician at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle. He wrote about his important insights into language, and neuroscience. It has been suggested that he had Asperger syndrome and a possible movement disorder (mannerisms).

Keywords