This paper has two main purposes: first, to compare Wittgenstein's views to the more traditional views in the philosophy of mathematics; second, to provide a general outline for a Wittgensteinian reply to these two objections. Two fundamental themes of Wittgenstein's account of mathematics title the following two sections: mathematical propositions are rules and not descriptions and mathematics is employed within a form of life. Under each heading, I examine Wittgenstein's rejection of alternative views. My aim is to make clear the (...) differences and too suggest some similarities. As will become soon clear, Wittgenstein often rejects opposing views for the same or similar reasons. This comparison will provide the necessary background for better understanding Wittgenstein's philosophy of mathematics, for appreciating its many unappreciated advantages and, finally, for defending a conventionalist account of mathematics. (shrink)

Wittgenstein links the strange phenomenon of experiencing meaning to the more familiar phenomenon of seeing-as, or noticing an aspect. His interest in the subject seems to have been sparked by the work of William James, and this chapter examines both what he has to say on the matter and its relevance to language-learning, prose, poetry and puns.