Solving Today's Problems with Wittgenstein's Philosophy

The American Wittgenstein Institute (“AWI”) is an organization devoted to introducing innovative methods of conceptual analysis to solve challenges within the private sector. We intend to build strategic partnerships between financial professionals and philosophers trained in the analytical philosophy developed by the Twentieth Century philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein.

AWI intends to host conferences that gather together top financial leaders alongside world-class academics to discuss fundamental conceptual problems facing modern finance. AWI also intends to coordinate seminars at financial institutions to introduce business professionals to Wittgenstein’s methods of analysis. The aim of both conferences and seminars is (1) to familiarize financial professionals with Wittgenstein’s later philosophy and (2) to facilitate original research in the world of finance.

The research we seek to pursue will be conducted by joint teams of philosophers and financial professionals; it will focus primarily on conceptual analysis. We intend to explore the concepts and conceptual forms used by financial professionals to examine the logico-grammatical relationships between financial concepts and other concepts. We believe that such conceptual investigations will lead to a better understanding of the concepts used by financial professionals. We believe the outcomes of such research will improve financial decision making and enhance effective communication with clients and investors.

We believe that financial institutions have tremendous potential to gain by partnering with AWI. Institutions will benefit from an increased clarity of complex conceptual problems, which will lead to better investment decisions and enhanced communication with clients or investors. Additionally, by partnering with AWI, financial institutions will demonstrate to investors and clients that they are willing to explore innovative strategies to grow their companies. Partnering with AWI demonstrates a firm’s commitment to creative growth opportunities.

AWI is currently focusing its operations across the U.S. We intend to eventually expand our reach to an international stage.