Single Idea 8192

[catalogued under 7. Existence / D. Theories of Reality / 4. Anti-realism]

Full Idea

In distinguishing between what can establish a statement about the past as true and what it is that that statement says, we are repudiating antirealism about the past.

Gist of Idea

I no longer think what a statement about the past says is just what can justify it

Source

Michael Dummett (Truth and the Past [2001], 3)

Book Reference

Dummett,Michael: 'Truth and the Past (Dewey Lectures)' [Columbia 2004], p.52


A Reaction

This is a late shift of ground from the champion of antirealism. If Dummett's whole position is based on a 'justificationist' theory of meaning, he must surely have a different theory of meaning now for statements about the past?