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The Model-Theoretic Argument against Quantifying over Everything
Article first published online: 21 JUN 2010
DOI: 10.1111/j.1746-8361.2010.01221.x
© 2010 The Author. Journal compilation © 2010 Editorial Board of dialectica
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How to Cite
Einheuser, I. (2010), The Model-Theoretic Argument against Quantifying over Everything. Dialectica, 64: 237–246. doi: 10.1111/j.1746-8361.2010.01221.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 21 JUN 2010
- Article first published online: 21 JUN 2010
- Abstract
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Abstract
A variant of Hilary Putnam's model-theoretic argument against metaphysical realism appears to show that our quantifiers do not determinately range over absolutely everything. This paper argues that some recent attempts to respond to the quantificational skeptic are unsuccessful and offers an alternative response: the key to answering the skeptic is not to refute her argument but to realize that the argument's setup prevents it from being convincing to those it is directed at.