Experimental Explications for Conceptual Engineering

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-8-2021

Publication Title

Erkenntnis

First page number:

1

Last page number:

23

Abstract

This paper argues for two conclusions: (1) evaluating the success of engineered concepts necessarily involves empirical work; and (2) the Carnapian Explication criterion precision ought to be a methodological standard in conceptual engineering. These two conclusions provide a new analysis of the race and gender debate between Sally Haslanger and Jennifer Saul. Specifically, the argument identifies the resources Haslanger needs to respond to Saul’s main objections. Lastly, I contrast the methodology advocated here with the so-called “method of cases” and draw out some general implications for how we should think about concepts.

Disciplines

Philosophy

Language

English

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