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Wittgenstein on Rules and Private Language: An Elementary Exposition

saul a. kripke

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In this book Saul Kripke brings his powerful philosophic intelligence to bear on Wittgenstein's analysis of the notion of following a rule.

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1,1982

This edition

Format
160 pages, Paperback
Published
January 1, 1982 by Harvard University Press
ISBN
9780674954014
ASIN
0674954017
Language
English

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About the author

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saul a. kripke

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Saul Aaron Kripke is an American philosopher and logician, now emeritus from Princeton. He teaches as distinguished professor of philosophy at CUNY Graduate Center. Since the 1960s Kripke has been a central figure in a number of fields related to logic, philosophy of language, metaphysics, epistemology, and set theory. Much of his work remains unpublished or exists only as tape-recordings and privately circulated manuscripts.

Kripke was the recipient of the 2001 Schock Prize in Logic and Philosophy. He has received honorary degrees from the University of Nebraska, Omaha (1977), Johns Hopkins University (1997), University of Haifa, Israel (1998), and the University of Pennsylvania (2005). He is a member of the American Philosophical Society. Kripke is also an elected Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and a Corresponding Fellow of the British Academy. In a recent poll conducted by philosophers Kripke was among the top ten most important philosophers of the past 200 years.

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Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 55 votes)
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55 reviews All reviews
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Tom_Chien
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Kripke's book delves into a crucial aspect of Wittgenstein's thought. Wittgenstein's re-understanding of "meaning" is a central theme. It involves a shift from a representationalist view to a more pragmatic one. Kripke claims that Wittgenstein's treatments of sensations and mathematics are related to a general argument about rule-following. The paradox of rule-following is described using addition as an example. A skeptic challenges the idea that the correct answer is 125, suggesting it could be 5. The appeal to the "plus" rule is undermined as past behavior is consistent with both the "plus" and "quus" rules. The claim to know the correct answer without justification leads to a paradox. Wittgenstein considers various responses, including the idea of a special mental state or sensation of "meaning" a rule. Kripke presents Wittgenstein's resolution as a "skeptical response" that replaces truth conditions with pragmatic justification. This new account of language and meaning emphasizes the social context and community agreement. Kripke's interpretation has implications for understanding what it means to follow a rule and learn arithmetic. It also raises questions about the applicability of this pragmatic re-understanding to all cases of "meaning" and its relationship to the "fact" conception of truth. The examples of addition and movie judgments highlight the differences and similarities between rule-governed and less determined activities. The question of whether there is a fact distinguishing the two cases remains unanswered, but it shows the draw of both pragmatism and the idea of a fact of the matter. Overall, Kripke's work provides a thought-provoking exploration of Wittgenstein's ideas and their implications.

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Chuy_diazz
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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It was very bright and good.

For me, it was almost the first time that I followed such a complete philosophical argument from beginning to end.

This experience was truly eye-opening and intellectually stimulating.

I found myself completely engaged in the process of understanding the logical progression and the profound ideas being presented.

The clarity and coherence of the argument made it accessible and enjoyable to explore.

As I delved deeper into it, I began to see the connections and implications that I had not initially considered.

It was like uncovering a hidden treasure trove of knowledge and wisdom.

This encounter with philosophical reasoning has left a lasting impression on me and has sparked my curiosity to explore more in this fascinating field.

I look forward to further adventures in the realm of philosophy and the insights that I will gain along the way.
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thurstation
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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It took me a considerable amount of time to overcome the rather odd reading of Wittgenstein. At first, his ideas seemed quite perplexing and difficult to grasp. However, as I delved deeper into his work and reached the postscript, something remarkable happened.

Suddenly, everything started to click into place, and I found myself fully onboard with his analysis. It was as if a light had been switched on, and I could now see the profound insights and significance of his thoughts.

The postscript served as a crucial turning point for me, clarifying many of the earlier ambiguities and presenting a more comprehensive and coherent picture.

I realized that Wittgenstein's unique approach to philosophy had much to offer, and I became eager to explore further and understand the implications of his ideas.

This experience taught me the importance of perseverance and an open mind when approaching complex and unfamiliar works of philosophy.
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AbuShaitan
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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A book so brilliant, it makes you feel brilliant too. It's not just an ordinary piece of literature; it's a masterpiece that has the power to transform your perspective and ignite your imagination. As you turn the pages, you'll find yourself drawn into a world of captivating stories, profound ideas, and unforgettable characters. The author's words are like a magic wand, weaving a spell that leaves you spellbound and eager for more.



Each sentence is carefully crafted, every paragraph flows seamlessly, and the overall structure of the book is a work of art in itself. It challenges you to think deeply, to question your assumptions, and to see the world from a different angle. It's a book that you'll want to read again and again, uncovering new insights and treasures with each reading.



Whether you're a book lover or just looking for something to inspire you, this book is a must-read. It will make you feel brilliant, not just because of its own brilliance, but because it has the power to bring out the best in you.

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Arziy
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Kripke has crafted a truly remarkable piece of philosophical work.

The book is neatly divided into three distinct sections. The first section delves into the rule-following paradox, which presents a fascinating and complex conundrum that challenges our understanding of how we follow rules.

The second section offers a proposed solution to this paradox, which is both thought-provoking and intellectually stimulating.

The final section then explores further considerations on other minds, adding yet another layer of depth and complexity to the overall work.

As a work of scholarship, I found myself surprisingly persuaded that Kripke is, for the most part, presenting Wittgenstein's actual views. This has left me with a sense of curiosity, eager to see what other Wittgenstein scholars will make of this work.

Will they agree with Kripke's interpretations? Or will they offer alternative perspectives and critiques? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Kripke's work is sure to spark lively debate and discussion among philosophers for years to come.
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Chitoge-Tan
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Kripke's interpretation of Wittgenstein's response to skepticism is both misguided and very interesting.

On one hand, it offers a novel and thought-provoking perspective on Wittgenstein's complex ideas. Kripke argues that Wittgenstein presents a skeptical paradox and then offers a "skeptical solution" to it. This approach has generated a great deal of discussion and debate among philosophers.

However, on the other hand, many critics have pointed out that Kripke's interpretation may not accurately capture Wittgenstein's true intentions. Some have argued that Kripke's reading is too narrow or that he misinterprets certain key passages in Wittgenstein's work.

Despite these criticisms, Kripke's interpretation remains an important and influential contribution to the study of Wittgenstein and skepticism. It has forced philosophers to reexamine their own assumptions about language, meaning, and knowledge, and has inspired new lines of research and inquiry.
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Bugiboo
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Skaityti kaip Kripkės projektuojamas Wittgenstein'iškas skeptikas įvairiais būdais sako „68+57=/=125“ ir „ar tikrai [+] reiškia sudėtis?“ 6tą ryto buvo patirtis (didžiausia klaida mano gyvenime).

This experience on the 6th morning was truly astonishing. The Wittgensteinian skeptic, as projected by Kripke, challenges our fundamental understanding of arithmetic in various ways. By stating that "68 + 57 =/= 125" and questioning whether the symbol [+] really means addition, it forces us to reexamine our assumptions.

It makes us wonder if there could be other possible interpretations or hidden meanings behind the seemingly simple operations we take for granted. This kind of skeptical thinking can have a profound impact on our understanding of mathematics and logic, and it reminds us that there is always more to discover and explore in the world of ideas.
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Kookiieh
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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De mi tfg.


My TFG (Trabajo Final de Grado or Final Degree Project) is an important milestone in my academic journey. It represents the culmination of years of study and research.


I have dedicated a significant amount of time and effort to this project, carefully choosing a topic that interests me and that I believe has the potential to make a valuable contribution to my field of study.


Throughout the process, I have faced numerous challenges and obstacles, but I have persevered and overcome them with determination and hard work.


I have conducted extensive research, gathering and analyzing data from a variety of sources. I have also engaged in discussions and consultations with my supervisors and peers, who have provided me with valuable feedback and guidance.


As I near the completion of my TFG, I am filled with a sense of pride and accomplishment. I know that this project has not only enhanced my knowledge and skills but has also prepared me for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in my future career.

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