ABSTRACT
The concept of rule is shrouded in confusion and controversy. Yet rules are relied upon and used in a very wide range of fields: language, law, ethics, games and logic, to mention but a few. The exploration of existing controversies in the course of the structured investigation of the concept and use of rules is designed to lead to the elaboration of a number of independent conclusions. It is designed to lead to the revision of the prevailing concept of rationality, to the articulation of model standards for rational arguments – to lead in other words to a logic of rule-guided choices and decisions. Both the concept and the use of rules are embroiled in a series of fundamental controversies. Questions have been raised about the philosophical status of rules in the light of theories asserting the exclusive ‘meaningfulness’ of empirical and logical knowledge.
