more from Paul Horwich

Single Idea 9342

[catalogued under 12. Knowledge Sources / A. A Priori Knowledge / 6. A Priori from Reason]

Full Idea

Understanding is itself based on a priori commitment.

Gist of Idea

Understanding needs a priori commitment

Source

Paul Horwich (Stipulation, Meaning and Apriority [2000], §12)

Book Reference

'New Essays on the A Priori', ed/tr. Boghossian,P /Peacocke,C [OUP 2000], p.169


A Reaction

This sounds plausible, but needs more justification than Horwich offers. This is the sort of New Rationalist idea I associate with Bonjour. The crucial feature of the New lot is, I take it, their fallibilism. All understanding is provisional.