Argument-Forms Which Turn Invalid Over Infinite Domains: Physicalism as Supertask?

Author: Legg Catherine  

Publisher: Rodopi

ISSN: 1572-3429

Source: Contemporary Pragmatism, Vol.5, Iss.1, 2008-06, pp. : 1-11

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Abstract

Argument-forms exist which are valid over finite but not infinite domains. Despite understanding of this by formal logicians, philosophers can be observed treating as valid arguments which are in fact invalid over infinite domains. In support of this claim I will first present an argument against the classical pragmatist theory of truth by Mark Johnston. Then, more ambitiously, I will suggest the fallacy lurks in certain arguments for physicalism taken for granted by many philosophers today.