Bueno, O. and Shalkowski, S.A. (2023) Modal Epistemology for Modalists. In: Vaidya, A. and Prelević, D., (eds.) Epistemology of Modality and Philosophical Methodology. Taylor & Francis , New York, NY , pp. 88-107. ISBN 978-0-367-43167-9
Abstract
Crucial to an account of modality is the explanation of how one comes to know the items that are posited by this account. Modal rationalists invoke distinctive devices to this effect, including intuitions, properly idealized conceivability, or reasoning from suitable principles. Non-rationalists employ different tools, relying on inference to the best explanation, similarity relations, or inductive principles. Both families of views face significant challenges. We sketch an epistemology of modality that charts a middle ground between them. Rationalists are right to emphasize the role played by reasoning from certain principles, but we insist that these principles are local, dependent on the particularities of each domain, and do not emerge from intuitions, conceivability, or meaning. Non-rationalists are right to highlight the local character and domain-specificity of modal knowledge and the importance of not idealizing the account beyond what humans can achieve, but inference to the best explanation, similarity considerations, or inductive principles are all dispensable. In contrast, we favor a modal epistemology that focuses on primitive modality and the modal properties of the relevant objects within a metaphysically deflationary stance. By identifying the implicit modal character of properties and empirical regularities, we argue, modalists are able to delineate a modest account of modal knowledge.
Metadata
Item Type: | Book Section |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | This item is protected by copyright. This is an author produced version of a book chapter published in Epistemology of Modality and Philosophical Methodology. Uploaded in accordance with the publisher's self-archiving policy. |
Keywords: | Philosophy; Philosophy and Religious Studies; History and Philosophy Of Specific Fields |
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Institution: | The University of Leeds |
Academic Units: | The University of Leeds > Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures (Leeds) > School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science (Leeds) > School of Philosophy (Leeds) |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Publications |
Date Deposited: | 08 Jul 2024 13:23 |
Last Modified: | 21 Sep 2024 00:13 |
Published Version: | https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.432... |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | Taylor & Francis |
Identification Number: | 10.4324/9781003002192-6 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:213823 |