Metodo

International Studies in Phenomenology and Philosophy

Journal | Volume | Article

234732

Against an inferentialist dogma

Thomas Raleigh

pp. 1397-1421

Abstract

I consider the ‘inferentialist’ thesis that whenever a mental state rationally justifies a belief it is in virtue of inferential relations holding between the contents of the two states. I suggest that no good argument has yet been given for the thesis. I focus in particular on Williamson (Knowledge and its limits, 2000) and Ginsborg (Reasons for belief, 2011) and show that neither provides us with a reason to deny the plausible idea that experience can provide non-inferential justification for belief. I finish by pointing out some theoretical costs and tensions associated with endorsing inferentialism.

Publication details

Published in:

Holm Sune, Basl John (2017) Teleological organisation. Synthese 194 (4).

Pages: 1397-1421

DOI: 10.1007/s11229-015-1002-z

Full citation:

Raleigh Thomas (2017) „Against an inferentialist dogma“. Synthese 194 (4), 1397–1421.