on certainty 46

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.