Scottish dentistry and broken promises: Woollard on presuppositions and substantial negative facts. (13th October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sneddon, Andrew
• Is Part Of: Analysis. Volume 81:Number 2(2021)
• Page Start: 248
• Page End: 254
• Publication Date: 2020-10-13
• Subjects: Fiona Woollard -- negative facts -- doing/allowing distinction -- Jonathan Bennett -- presuppositions; Philosophy -- Periodicals; 105
• DOI: 10.1093/analys/anaa040
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-2638

Abstract

Abstract: Fiona Woollard claims that negative facts are parts of sequences leading to upshots when they are contrary to the presuppositions of the local community. There are three problems with Woollard's use of presuppositions. The first is that it fails to capture an important part of our everyday understanding of doing and allowing. The second is that negative facts can be suitable to be parts of sequences even when they accord with presuppositions. The third is that even when negative facts are contrary to presuppositions, this need not be what makes them suitable to be parts of sequences of facts.