Reasons as defaults / John F. Horty.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Horty, John.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Reason.

Rationalism.

Explanation.

Justification (Theory of knowledge).

Reasoning.

Physical Description:

xv, 256 pages : illustrations ; 25 cm

Place of Publication:

New York : Oxford University Press, [2012]

Contents:

I Default logic 13

1 A primer on default logic 15

1.1 Basic concepts 15

1.1.1 Default rules 15

1.1.2 Priority relations 18

1.1.3 Theories and scenarios 22

1.2 Central definitions 25

1.2.1 Binding defaults 25

1.2.2 Proper scenarios and extensions 30

1.3 Extensions and conclusions 34

1.3.1 Theories with multiple extensions 34

1.3.2 Theories without extensions 38

2 From defaults to reasons 41

2.1 An austere theory of reasons 41

2.2 Developing the theory 47

2.2.1 Conflict, strength, and defeat 47

2.2.2 Reasons and enablers 53

2.2.3 Reason amalgamation 59

II Deontic logic 63

3 Reasons and oughts 65

3.1 The two logics 68

3.1.1 Simple oughts 69

3.1.2 Conditional oughts 74

3.1.3 Some history 76

3.2 Properties of the logics 80

4 Moral conflicts 86

4.1 Logical objections 87

4.1.1 Agglomeration 87

4.1.2 Other logical objections 92

4.2 Conceptual objections 96

4.3 Objections based on reasons as moral forces 102

III Some elaborations 109

5 Variable priorities and exclusion 111

5.1 Variable priority default theories 111

5.1.1 The definition 111

5.1.2 Some examples 114

5.2 Exclusionary default theories 121

5.2.1 The definition 121

5.2.2 Some examples 126

5.3 Discussion 130

5.3.1 Downward closure of exclusion 130

5.3.2 Exclusion by weaker defaults 135

5.3.3 Excluders, intensifiers, and attenuators 141

6 Particularism 147

6.1 Dancy's argument 148

6.2 Evaluating the argument 150

6.3 Discussion 155

6.3.1 Pragmatic considerations 156

6.3.2 Borrowing a book 157

6.3.3 Moderate particularism 160

IV Some complications 167

7 Skepticism and floating conclusions 169

7.1 Floating conclusions 169

7.1.1 Arguments and paths 170

7.1.2 Two versions of skepticism 174

7.2 The problem with floating conclusions 179

7.2.1 An example 179

7.2.2 Objections to the example 183

7.3 Discussion 186

7.3.1 Other examples 186

7.3.2 Skepticism 190

8 Problems with priorities 192

8.1 Refining the concept of defeat 192

8.2 Controlling the order of application 197

8.3 Discussion 206

8.3.1 Inappropriate equilibria 206

8.3.2 Other orderings 209

8.3.3 Reinstatement 211

V Appendices 219.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references.

ISBN:

9780199744077

0199744076

OCLC:

732627243