2 Euro Proof

Georg Henrik von Wright (1916–2003) was a Finnish philosopher from Finland’s Swedish-speaking population. He studied at the University of Helsinki (Universität Helsinki), where he was influenced by Eino Kaila, who had introduced analytical philosophy and logical empiricism in Finland. Von Wright published mainly in Swedish and English, but also wrote in German and Finnish. As a result, he had an impact both within the Finnish public sphere and in international academic philosophy.

A closely connected period of his career was associated with Ludwig Wittgenstein. Von Wright met him during a stay at the University of Cambridge (Universität Cambridge) and succeeded him there as professor after Wittgenstein’s resignation. After Wittgenstein’s death, he was one of the administrators and editors of the extensive philosophical estate, together with Elizabeth Anscombe and Rush Rhees. Their work made numerous previously unpublished manuscripts accessible and influenced the subsequent reception of Wittgenstein.

Von Wright worked, among other fields, on logic, the philosophy of science and the theory of human action. In his studies of deontic logic, he systematically examined concepts such as duty, permission and prohibition. In later writings, he also addressed technological progress, rationality, environmental problems and the foundations of modern industrial societies. He also emerged as an essayist and public intellectual.

The coin’s imagery from classical antiquity refers to the long tradition of philosophical thought within which von Wright situated his work. Plant motifs may likewise be understood as references to growth, endurance and nature; however, no official interpretation of these individual symbols is apparent from the description.

The choice of the anniversary relates to von Wright’s special position between Finnish intellectual life and international analytical philosophy. The coin issue thus places him among a series of Finnish commemorative themes focusing on the country’s science, culture and intellectual history.