Are There Process-Requirements of Rationality? Cover Image

Are There Process-Requirements of Rationality?
Are There Process-Requirements of Rationality?

Author(s): Julian Fink
Subject(s): Epistemology, Philosophy of Mind
Published by: Filozofický ústav SAV
Keywords: rationality; process-requirements; state-requirements; Kolodny; Broome;

Summary/Abstract: Does a coherentist version of rationality issue requirements on states? Or does it issue requirements on processes? This paper evaluates the possibility of process-requirements. It argues that there are two possible definitions of state- and process-requirements: a satisfaction based definition and a content-based definition. I demonstrate that the satisfaction-based definition is inappropriate. It does not allow us to uphold a clear-cut distinction between state- and process-requirements. We should therefore use a content-based definition of state- and process- requirements. However, a content-based definition entails that rationality does not issue process-requirements. Content-based process requirements violate the principle that ‘rationality requires’ implies ‘can satisfy’. The conclusion of this paper therefore amounts to a radical rejection of process-requirements of rationality.

  • Issue Year: 18/2011
  • Issue No: 4
  • Page Range: 475-487
  • Page Count: 13
  • Language: English