46. But then can’t it be described how we
satisfy ourselves of the reliability of a calculation? O yes! Yet no rule
emerges when we do so. – But the most important thing is: The rule is not
needed. Nothing is lacking. We do calculate according to a rule, and that is
enough.
the calculation is a game of sign
substitution –
where
x = y –
satisfying yourself of the reliability of a
calculation –
is nothing more than accepting its terms –
and this you have to do –
if you are to play the game
if you don’t accept its terms –
you don’t play the game
and yes – you can question the game –
any aspect of it –
x = y – is a proposal for substitution –
it is not a rule –
and there is no rule underlying it –
no authority behind it –
what does underlie it is a practise –
a practise that is open to question –
open doubt
© greg t. charlton. 2009.
