Research Group
in Analytic Philosophy

“’Tis an establish’d maxim in metaphysics...”: Modal Epistemology and Hume’s Other Principle

16 March 2022  |  15:00  |  Online/Zoom

Abstract

Conceivability-Possibility (Conc-Poss) principles in modal epistemology follow Hume’s view that one can come to know that P is possible by, in some sense, conceiving or imagining that P. Which sense? I examine some answers motivated by mainstream views on mental representation in cognitive psychology. I argue that none of them supports Conc-Poss principles.