Remarks in this assignment continue the discussion of rule following begun in the reading for last time.

§§208-216. The centrality of examples. The regularity embodied in a custom is taught by examples and practice. Practitioners of the custom know no more than can be given in this way and at some point they just go on to act--and do so in complete confidence. Focus on §§208 and 211-212. Compare this to Wittgenstein's earlier discussion of our knowledge of concepts like the concept of a game (e.g., in §69).

§§217-231. Running out of reasons. When we look for understanding of our behavior (as opposed to external explanations of it), reasons eventually give out, and the picture of determination by a rule symbolizes this. Focus on §§217, 219-221, and 230.

§§232-239. Some curious examples. We can imagine various of combinations of the usual criteria for rule-following (e.g., a feeling of determination, or behavior in accordance with the rule) and these have various consequences for our attribution of rule-following. Focus on §§234 and 236-237; with regard to the first, think of the figure of the string of pearls.

§§240-242. Agreement in a form of life. Language is based on an agreement in a form of life and this includes judgements as well as definitions. Recall §§198-207; Wittgenstein will turn to the issue raised in §202 again in §243. And, in regard to the last sentence of §242, recall §§80 and 142.