Abstract
What I propose to do in this paper is to demonstrate the versatility of the concept of rules—to show that it is versatile and at least in part just how. I shall first exhibit this versatility in the context of games proper; then—on the other side of the analogy of rules—in other social contexts, where social scientists may discern games by analogy. Finally, I shall sketch the attractions that the liberties which may be taken with it impart to the concept of. rules. My argument, even if it does all these things, will fall short of proving that social scientists take all the available liberties; but it will, I think, indicate that it is worth investigating which liberties they do take, and when. I myself would postpone until such investigations have been made the question how much the analogy of rules contributes to the progress of the social sciences.