Guest Lecture and Discussion – Rohan Sud

Dr. Rohan Sud (Virginia Tech)

The Syracuse University Philosophy Department  welcomes Rohan Sud from Virginia Tech. Professor Sud will deliver a guest lecture with time allotted afterward for discussion.

Lecture Title: “Indefiniteness, Inquiry, and Conceptual Ethics”

Abstract: When philosophers of vagueness consider the phenomenon of indefiniteness (or “borderline cases”), they focus almost exclusively on the role indefiniteness plays in our belief states (and, correspondingly, our assertion practices). But indefiniteness also plays a surprising role in inquiry. For example, if we recognize that it’s indefinite whether Harry is bald, it’s inappropriate for us to wonder whether he is bald or to ask whether he is bald.

This paper takes some initial steps towards centering the zetetic phenomenology of indefiniteness. Sud suggests that this phenomenon is best explained by a claim of conceptual ethics: upon recognizing that it’s indefinite whether p, we should stop deploying the concept that p in our thoughts. In other words: we should stop carving up logical space on the basis of p. Sud will explore whether his proposed norm can be derived from extant doxastic norms related to indefiniteness. And he’ll consider potential explanatory benefits of his proposal.

If you are interested in attending, RSVP to Alanis Hamblin at aehambli@syr.edu or call 315-443-2245.