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Single Idea 12182

[filed under theme 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 Ref

-: '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.


The 10 ideas from 'Logical Necessity: Some Issues'

The fundamental case of logical necessity is the valid conclusion of an inference [McFetridge, by Hale]
In the McFetridge view, logical necessity means a consequent must be true if the antecedent is [McFetridge, by Hale]
Logical necessity requires that a valid argument be necessary [McFetridge]
Logical necessity overrules all other necessities [McFetridge]
Traditionally, logical necessity is the strongest, and entails any other necessities [McFetridge]
It is only logical necessity if there is absolutely no sense in which it could be false [McFetridge]
We assert epistemic possibility without commitment to logical possibility [McFetridge]
Objectual modal realists believe in possible worlds; non-objectual ones rest it on the actual world [McFetridge]
Modal realists hold that necessities and possibilities are part of the totality of facts [McFetridge]
The mark of logical necessity is deduction from any suppositions whatever [McFetridge]