He is known for his influential works in philosophical logic, deontic logic, and the philosophy of action. Some of his key writings include:
* "The Logic of Action" (1963): This book laid the groundwork for the modern philosophical study of action, introducing the concept of "practical reasoning" and its connection to intention.
* "Norm and Action: A Logical Enquiry" (1963): A crucial contribution to the development of deontic logic, a formal system for reasoning about obligations and permissions.
* "Explanation and Understanding" (1971): Examines the nature of explanation in the social sciences, particularly history, focusing on the role of understanding and interpretation.
* "The Concept of Practical Reasoning" (1987): A comprehensive exploration of practical reasoning, its structure, and its relationship to rational decision-making.
Von Wright's work has been influential across various fields, including philosophy, logic, and social science. He is considered one of the most important figures in contemporary analytic philosophy.
Note: There are other authors with similar names, so be sure to specify "J. M. von Wright" when searching for information about him.