Ceteris paribus conditionals and comparative normalcy

Smith, M. (2007) Ceteris paribus conditionals and comparative normalcy. Journal of Philosophical Logic, 36(1), pp. 97-121. (doi: 10.1007/s10992-006-9030-2)

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Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10992-006-9030-2

Abstract

Our understanding of subjunctive conditionals has been greatly enhanced through the use of possible world semantics and, more precisely, by the idea that they involve variably strict quantification over possible worlds. I propose to extend this treatment to ceteris paribus conditionals – that is, conditionals that incorporate a ceteris paribus or ‘other things being equal’ clause. Although such conditionals are commonly invoked in scientific theorising, they traditionally arouse suspicion and apprehensiveness amongst philosophers. By treating ceteris paribus conditionals as a species of variably strict conditional I hope to shed new light upon their content and their logic.

Item Type:Articles
Keywords:Ceteris paribus conditional, comparative normalcy, possible world semantics, subjunctive conditional.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Smith, Dr Martin
Authors: Smith, M.
Subjects:B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > B Philosophy (General)
B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BC Logic
P Language and Literature > P Philology. Linguistics
College/School:College of Arts & Humanities > School of Humanities > Philosophy
Journal Name:Journal of Philosophical Logic
Publisher:Springer
ISSN:0022-3611
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2007 Springer
First Published:First published in Journal of Philosophical Logic 36(1):97-121
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher

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