Boghossian and Wright on Blind Rule-Following

Abstract

Abstract This chapter outlines arguments by Paul Boghossian (the “Inference Problem”) and Crispin Wright (the “Minor Premise Problem”). According to these arguments, even if we have a plausible non-reductionist response to Kripke’s Wittgenstein’s sceptical challenge to the satisfaction of the (Acceptance) condition in the ACER model of rule-following, there are additional problems concerning the (Explanation) and (Rationalization) conditions. These additional problems threaten the idea that rule-following, or linguistic competence, are possible. The chapter also explains some of the ideas necessary for an understanding of the problems, in particular the nature of Wittgenstein’s attack on the Augustinian picture of the relationship between thought and language.