Célia Teixeira: The a priori and the analytic: the traditional connection

Centro de Filosofia da Universidade de Lisboa
LanCog Group (Language, Mind and Cognition Research Group)
http://www.lancog.com/

LANCOG SEMINAR
2013-14: Session 7

The a priori and the analytic: the traditional connection
Célia Teixeira
University of Lisbon

6 de Dezembro de 2013, 15:00
Faculdade de Letras da Universidade de Lisboa
Sala Mattos Romão (departamento de Filosofia)

Abstract: The aim of this talk is to evaluate and criticise the account according to which a priori knowledge is mere knowledge of analytic truths. This account is based on two major claims:

(The Traditional Connection – TC) A priori knowledge is mere knowledge of analytic truths.
(The Explanatory Thesis – ET) We can explain the a priori with the notion of analyticity.

Depending on how we understand the notion of analyticity, (TC) and (ET) will get different readings. There are two main readings of the notion of analyticity: a metaphysical reading and an epistemological reading. I will argue that under the metaphysical reading, even if (TC) is true, (ET) is false. But we have well known reasons to doubt the intelligibility of the metaphysical reading of the notion of analyticity – and with it the intelligibility of both (TC) and (ET). I will then turn my attention to the epistemological reading of the notion of analyticity. I will argue that under this reading it is also the case that if (TC) is true, (ET) is false. I will then argue, contrary to current orthodoxy, that (TC) is false under the epistemological reading. If I am right, and both (TC) and (ET) are false under both readings of the notion of analyticity, we have good reasons to question the philosophical significance and the very tenability of the analytic/synthetic distinction.

ALL WELCOME!

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LanCog Research Group
www.lancog.com
Centro de Filosofia
Faculdade de Letras da Universidade de Lisboa
Alameda da Universidade
Lisboa
1600-214
Portugal