The problem (or paradox) of rule-following was first formulated by Wittgenstein in the Philosophical Investigations. The problem consists in specifying which actions are in accordance with a rule and which are in conflict with it, given that every action can be put in accordance with a rule by means of an appropriate interpretation. This problem is engendered by what one can call interpretational conception of understanding, i.e. the thesis that understanding consists in generating a formulation of the rule, which would mediate the relation between the expression of the rule and the actions that one performs in order to follow it. Wittgenstein’s solution to the problem consists in pointing out an absurd consequence of this conception: the indetermination of the actions by means of the rule. Understanding consists in acquiring a disposition. Some of the exegetical controversy on Wittgenstein’s text is discussed mainly in footnotes.

Keywords: Rules, meaning, understanding, Wittgenstein, Kripke.