Two approaches to generics: induction vs. inquiry

old_uid5337
titleTwo approaches to generics: induction vs. inquiry
start_date2008/10/06
schedule15h30-17h30
onlineno
summaryI contrast two approaches to the interpretation of generics such as `ravens are black:' majority-based views, on which they are about what is the case most of the time, and inquiry-based views, on which they are about a feature we focus on in inquiry. I argue that majority-based views face far more systematic counterexamples than has previously been supposed. They cannot account for generics about kinds with multiple characteristic properties, such as `elephants live in Africa and Asia' or `roses are red, yellow, white, or black.' I then go on to sketch an inquiry-based view.
responsiblesBlitman, Ba