The Rei(g)n of 'Rule'

by Dana Riesenfeld

The Rei(g)n of ‘Rule’ is a study of rules and their role in language. Rules have dominated the philosophical arena as a fundamental philosophical concept. Little progress, however, has been made in reaching an accepted definition of rules. This fact is not coincidental. The concept of rule is expected to perform various, and at times conflicting tasks. By analyzing key debates and rule-related discussions in the philosophy of language, the author shows that typically rules are perceived and defined either as norms or as conventions. The impossibility to consistently define "rule" has gone unnoticed by philosophers, and it is in this sense that "rule" has also blocked philosophical attempts to explain language in terms of rules.

132 pages, Hardcover

First published February 28, 2011