Single Idea 15764

[catalogued under 10. Modality / D. Knowledge of Modality / 4. Conceivable as Possible / a. Conceivable as possible]

Full Idea

We could use 'conceivable' to say it is not provable that it is not the case, or we could use it to say that it is compatible with what we know.

Gist of Idea

'Conceivable' is either not-provably-false, or compatible with what we know?

Source

Sydney Shoemaker (Causality and Properties [1980], §10)

Book Reference

Shoemaker,Sydney: 'Identity, Cause and Mind' [OUP 2003], p.231


A Reaction

Rather significant, since the first one would seem to allow in a great deal that the second one would rule out. Any disproof of some natural possibility founders on the remark that 'you never know'.

Related Idea

Idea 8562 It is possible to conceive what is not possible [Shoemaker]