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Semantic anti-realism and the Dummettian reductio

Stephen Boulter

pp. 118-136

Abstract

In the previous chapter I had occasion to deal with a challenge to common sense metaphysical realism from a version of neo-Kantian constructivism. I now want to examine another threat to common sense stemming from another quarter, in this case the philosophy of language. I want to discuss an argument put forward by Michael Dummett, an argument which, if sound, would have quite radical implications. Dummett's manifestation argument takes the form of a reductio and has for a striking conclusion the denial of the principle of bivalence, that is, the claim that each and every well-formed statement is either true or false.

Publication details

Published in:

Boulter Stephen (2007) The rediscovery of common sense philosophy. Basingstoke, Palgrave Macmillan.

Pages: 118-136

DOI: 10.1057/9780230223134_6

Full citation:

Boulter Stephen (2007) Semantic anti-realism and the Dummettian reductio, In: The rediscovery of common sense philosophy, Basingstoke, Palgrave Macmillan, 118–136.