Indeterminacy and normative silence

Analysis 72 (2):217-225 (2012)
  Copy   BIBTEX

Abstract

This paper examines two puzzles of indeterminacy. The first puzzle concerns the hypothesis that there is a unified phenomenon of indeterminacy. How are we to reconcile this with the apparent diversity of reactions that indeterminacy prompts? The second puzzle focuses narrowly on borderline cases of vague predicates. How are we to account for the lack of theoretical consensus about what the proper reaction to borderline cases is? I suggest (building on work by Maudlin) that the characteristic feature of indeterminacy is alethic normative silence, and use this to explain both plurality and lack of consensus

Author's Profile

Robert Williams
University of Leeds

Analytics

Added to PP
2012-02-22

Downloads
400 (#44,076)

6 months
104 (#42,421)

Historical graph of downloads since first upload
This graph includes both downloads from PhilArchive and clicks on external links on PhilPapers.
How can I increase my downloads?