Wittgenstein, Rules and Institutions

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.