Experimental Explications for Conceptual Engineering

Authors

Samantha Wakil, University of Nevada, Las VegasFollow

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

Repository Citation

Wakil, S. (2021). Experimental Explications for Conceptual Engineering. Erkenntnis 1-23.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10670-021-00413-w