Rules and Mention

Lewis Carroll's well-known parable 'What the Tortoise Said to Achilles' gives rise to a recalcitrant and general form of normative scepticism. I argue that the sceptical position inspired by the story is indeed a distinct form of scepticism, engendered by refusal to recognize that any rule reflected upon may possibly retaining its action-guiding force. I show that the sceptic's attitude builds upon the familiar fact that our reflection upon sources of psychological influence on us may loosen their grip by affording us reflective distance. I conclude by showing how the equally familiar phenomenon that reflection upon a rule does not automatically drain it of its force can be exploited in a satisfactory response to the sceptic.