Terrance W. Klein, S.T.D.

Theology and Religious Studies
St. John's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

How Things Are in the World: Metaphysics and Theology in Wittgenstein and Rahner
Publisher: Marquette UP
Milwaukee, WI
2003, 271 pages

Klein begins by reviewing the theological implications of Ludwig Wittgenstein’s (1889-1951) work. Then he argues that he and Karl Rahner (b. 1904) share a common philosophical anthropology that might serve in the construction of a post-linguistic metaphysics, before applying the former’s insights to questions raised about the latter’s theological contributions.

“The work which Klein has done in the analytic philosophy of Wittgenstein and transcendental Thomism of Karl Rahner and in the relationship between philosophy and theology provide an opportune base for establishing connections between two of the most influential perspectives in American public universities and Catholic circles.”
—Bob Masson, Professor, Marquette University