MELT TALK - Mind, Experience, Language, and Time - 2022-2023
 

Michele Palmira (Complutense University, Madrid)

The puzzle of defective and permissible inquiry

 
November 24, 2023, h. 14:30-16:30.

Piero Martinetti Room, Department of Philosophy, Icehouse Courtyard, 1st floor, Via Festa del Perdono, 7

 
Abstract

I present a puzzle about inquiry and discuss two potential solutions. The puzzle stems from two equally compelling sets of data suggesting that, on the one hand, there’s something epistemically defective with inquiring into questions that don’t have true answers. On the other hand, however, there are scenarios in which we can be epistemically permitted to inquire into questions that don’t have true answers. How is it that inquiries into questions which don’t have true answers can both be defective and permissible from an epistemic point of view?

The first solution maintains that inquiries into questions which don’t have true answers are always impermissible but can be excusable. The second solution maintains that inquiries into questions which don’t have true answers are bad inquiries that can be conducted by trustworthy inquirers. I argue against the former and endorse the latter.

 
It will be possible to access the meeting until all places are filled.

The meeting will be held in English.

Participation is strongly recommended to students of the Doctoral School in Philosophy and Human Sciences and to students of the Doctoral School “The Human Mind and its Explanations: Language, Brain, and Reasoning”.

Everyone interested is welcome to attend.