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Single Idea 19267

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

Full Idea

Conceivability as evidence for possibility needs four interpretations. How is 'conceivable' defined or explained? How strongly is the idea endorsed? How does inconceivability fit in? And what kind of possibility (logical, physical etc) is implied?

Gist of Idea

Define conceivable; how reliable is it; does inconceivability help; and what type of possibility results?

Source

Anand Vaidya (Understanding and Essence [2010], 'Application')

Book Ref

-: 'Philosophia' [-], p.831


A Reaction

[some compression] Williamson's counterfactual account helps with the first one. The strength largely depends on whether your conceptions are well informed. Inconceivability may be your own failure. All types of possibility can be implied.


The 8 ideas from 'Understanding and Essence'

If 2-D conceivability can a priori show possibilities, this is a defence of conceptual analysis [Vaidya]
Define conceivable; how reliable is it; does inconceivability help; and what type of possibility results? [Vaidya]
Inconceivability (implying impossibility) may be failure to conceive, or incoherence [Vaidya]
In a disjunctive case, the justification comes from one side, and the truth from the other [Vaidya]
Gettier deductive justifications split the justification from the truthmaker [Vaidya]
Essential properties are necessary, but necessary properties may not be essential [Vaidya]
Aboutness is always intended, and cannot be accidental [Vaidya]
Can you possess objective understanding without realising it? [Vaidya]