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On being in a quandary. Relativism vagueness logical revisionism.

Authors :
Wright, C
Source :
Mind; Jan2001, Vol. 110 Issue 437, p45, 54p
Publication Year :
2001

Abstract

This paper addresses three problems: the problem of formulating a coherent relativism, the Sorites paradox and a seldom noticed difficulty in the best intuitionistic case for the revision of classical logic. A response to the latter is proposed which, generalised, contributes towards the solution of the other two. The key to this response is a generalised conception of indeterminacy as a specific kind of intellectual bafflement - Quandary. Intuitionistic revisions of classical logic are merited wherever a subject matter is conceived both as liable to generate Quandary and as subject to a broad form of evidential constraint. So motivated, the distinctions enshrined in intuitionistic logic provide both for a satisfying resolution of the Sorites paradox and a coherent outlet for relativistic views about, e.g., matters of taste and morals. An important corollary of the discussion is that an epistemic conception of vagueness can be prised apart from the strong metaphysical realism with which its principal supporters have associated it, and acknowledged to harbour an independent insight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subjects

Subjects :
RELATIVITY
SORITES paradox
LOGIC

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
00264423
Volume :
110
Issue :
437
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Mind
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
4649009
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1093/mind/110.437.45