Single Idea 19267

[catalogued under 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 Reference

-: '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.