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    Why conclusions should remain single

    Steinberger, Florian (2011) Why conclusions should remain single. Journal of Philosophical Logic 40 (3), pp. 333-355. ISSN 0022-3611.

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    Abstract

    This paper argues that logical inferentialists should reject multiple-conclusion logics. Logical inferentialism is the position that the meanings of the logical constants are determined by the rules of inference they obey. As such, logical inferentialism requires a proof-theoretic framework within which to operate. However, in order to fulfil its semantic duties, a deductive system has to be suitably connected to our inferential practices. I argue that, contrary to an established tradition, multiple-conclusion systems are ill-suited for this purpose because they fail to provide a ‘natural’ representation of our ordinary modes of inference. Moreover, the two most plausible attempts at bringing multiple conclusions into line with our ordinary forms of reasoning, the disjunctive reading and the bilateralist denial interpretation, are unacceptable by inferentialist standards.

    Metadata

    Item Type: Article
    Keyword(s) / Subject(s): inferentialism, multiple conclusions, proof-theoretic arguments
    School: Birkbeck Faculties and Schools > Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences > School of Historical Studies
    Depositing User: Sarah Hall
    Date Deposited: 25 Nov 2014 11:56
    Last Modified: 02 Aug 2023 17:14
    URI: https://eprints.bbk.ac.uk/id/eprint/11110

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