Wittgenstein, Rules and Institutions

Author: David Bloor

Wittgenstein's contribution to the debate on rule-following has been subject to sharply opposed interpretations. David Bloor provides an informative explorations of this debate and argues for a collectivist account of rules and a collectivist reading of Wittgenstein's later work.

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David Bloor's challenging evaluation of Wittgenstein's account of rules and rule-following brings together a rare combination of philosophical and sociological viewpoints. Wittgenstein enigmatically claimed that the way we follow rules is an 'institution' without ever clearly explaining what he meant by this term. Wittgenstein's contribution to the debate on rule-following has been subject to sharply opposed interpretations: 'collectivist' and 'individualist' readings by philosophers. David Bloor provides one of the most informative explorations of this debate and argues for a collectivist account of rules and a collectivist reading of Wittgenstein later work. Clearly written and engaging, this book offers the first consistent sociological reading of Wittgenstein's work for many years. It is vital reading for students of philosophy and sociology, and anyone interested in the later thought of Wittgenstein.

Critic Reviews

'David Bloor's recent book joins the debtaes initiated by Kripke, and formulates and extremely well argumented and most radical standpoint taken till now on the so-called collectivist side of the controversy.'

Bloor's book is an undoubtedly significant contribution to the ongoing debate.

'The reader will certainly enjoy reading this book, since it is exceptionally well written, the arguments, most of the time , are poweerfull, the examples and the historical analogies are especially intriguning. It can be used equally well for introductory purposes an as a point of departure in academic debates.'

'Bloor's book is impressive for the originality of its argument, which consciously goes beyond Wittgenstein at several points; the tenacity with which it defends its sociological perspective; and its creative use of ideas from sociology, moral philosophy, and the philosophy of science. The text deserves praise for the richness of its content.' - The Jerusalem Philosophical Quarterly

About the Author

David Bloor

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Clearly and engagingly written, this volume is vital reading for students of philosophy and sociology, and anyone interested in Wittgenstein's later thought. David Bloor provides a challenging and informative evaluation of Wittgenstein's account of rules and rule-following. Arguing for a collectivist reading, Bloor offers the first consistent sociological interpretation of Wittgenstein's work for many years.