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Conceivability, inconceivability and cartesian modal epistemology.

Authors :
Saint-Germier, Pierre
Source :
Synthese; Nov2018, Vol. 195 Issue 11, p4785-4816, 32p
Publication Year :
2018

Abstract

In various arguments, Descartes relies on the principles that conceivability implies possibility and that inconceivability implies impossibility. Those principles are in tension with another Cartesian view about the source of modality, i.e. the doctrine of the free creation of eternal truths. In this paper, I develop a ‘two-modality’ interpretation of the doctrine of eternal truths which resolves the tension and I discuss how the resulting modal epistemology can still be relevant for the contemporary discussion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
00397857
Volume :
195
Issue :
11
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Synthese
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
133200381
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11229-016-1194-x