Rule-following

Definition

Rule-following refers to the practice of adhering to established guidelines or principles in order to achieve consistency and coherence in behavior, language, or thought. This concept is central to understanding how meaning is derived in language and how communal activities shape our grasp of rules, highlighting the interplay between individual interpretation and shared practices.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Wittgenstein argued that following a rule is not merely a matter of an individual interpreting it; rather, it involves agreement within a community about how the rule should be applied.
2. The concept of rule-following challenges traditional views of meaning that rely on fixed definitions, suggesting instead that meaning is fluid and context-dependent.
3. Wittgenstein uses examples like 'adding' to illustrate that rule-following can involve different interpretations that still count as following the same rule.
4. He emphasizes that understanding a rule requires social practices and forms of life, making it impossible to separate individual understanding from communal context.
5. The idea of rule-following leads to questions about objectivity in interpretation, suggesting that what counts as correct may differ depending on the community's practices.

Review Questions

• How does Wittgenstein's view on rule-following challenge the traditional notion of individual interpretation of rules?
  • Wittgenstein's perspective on rule-following suggests that understanding and applying rules cannot be solely reliant on individual interpretation. He argues that rules derive their meaning from communal agreements and practices rather than from isolated understandings. This view highlights the interdependence between an individual's actions and the broader social context in which those actions take place.
• Discuss the implications of the Private Language Argument for the concept of rule-following in communal contexts.
  • The Private Language Argument posits that a language understandable only by a single individual cannot exist because language is inherently social. This has significant implications for rule-following, as it suggests that rules cannot be privately interpreted without reference to shared practices. Understanding a rule requires a community to validate its application, reinforcing that meanings are contingent upon social interactions and communal frameworks.
• Evaluate how Wittgenstein's concept of Language Games relates to his ideas on rule-following and meaning.
  • Wittgenstein's concept of Language Games illustrates how meaning is not fixed but rather arises through various contexts of use. This directly relates to rule-following because it shows that applying rules requires an understanding of the specific game being played. Each language game has its own set of rules, which reflects the dynamic nature of communication, where individuals must navigate shared practices to effectively follow and interpret rules within different contexts.

Related terms

Language Games: Activities involving language that demonstrate how meaning is created through use in specific contexts, emphasizing the social aspect of language.

Private Language Argument: A philosophical argument put forth by Wittgenstein to show that a language understandable by only a single individual is not feasible, as language's meaning arises from shared practices.

Community: A group of individuals who share practices and norms, which play a crucial role in defining how rules are understood and followed.