Realists and idealists argue about whether physical objects exist, whether they are real or just part of a world of ideas. But can they at root help us solve the most important philosophical questions? In this instalment of our idealism series, in partnership with the Essentia Foundation, David R. Cerbone argues that Wittgenstein can help us return to more substantive questions. Should we be Idealist or Realists in the first place? In his very first meeting with Bertrand Russell, Wittgenstein is reported to have said “that he did not think either realism or idealism was satisfactory: one would have to take some third position between them.” According to Rush Rhees, Russell rebuked the young Wittgenstein for seeking an intermediate position, since “you would have to have an intermediate position between this new one and each of the ot…

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