Single Idea 12182

[catalogued under 10. Modality / B. Possibility / 2. Epistemic possibility]

Full Idea

Time- and person-relative epistemic possibility can be asserted even when logical possibility cannot, such as undecided mathematical propositions. 'It may be that p' just comes to 'For all I know, not-p'.

Gist of Idea

We assert epistemic possibility without commitment to logical possibility

Source

Ian McFetridge (Logical Necessity: Some Issues [1986], §1)

Book Reference

-: 'Aristotelian Society' [], p.137


A Reaction

If it is possible 'for all I know', then it could be actual for all I know, and if we accept that it might be actual, we could hardly deny that it is logically possible. Logical and epistemic possibilities of mathematical p stand or fall together.