Central and East European
Society for Phenomenology

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Lewisian realism

methodology, epistemology, and circularity

Cameron Ross

pp. 143-159

Abstract

In this paper I argue that warrant for Lewis’ Modal Realism is unobtainable. I consider two familiar objections to Lewisian realism – the modal irrelevance objection and the epistemological objection – and argue that Lewis’ response to each is unsatisfactory because they presuppose claims that only the Lewisian realist will accept. Since, I argue, warrant for Lewisian realism can only be obtained if we have a response to each objection that does not presuppose the truth of Lewisian realism, this circularity is vicious. I end by contrasting Lewis’ methodology with Forrest’s in order to illustrate a rival method that does not fall victim to the objection I lay against Lewis.

Publication details

Published in:

(2007) Synthese 156 (1).

Pages: 143-159

DOI: 10.1007/s11229-005-2003-0

Full citation:

Ross Cameron (2007) „Lewisian realism: methodology, epistemology, and circularity“. Synthese 156 (1), 143–159.