On the Problem of Deviant Realizations. Issue 5 (1st August 2021) - Lee, Kok Yong
Abstract: Recent literature has seen a surging interest in the modal principle involved in the Gettier‐style thought experiments. According to the necessitation thesis, the modal principle underlying the Gettier‐style thought experiments takes the form of a principle of necessitation. It is widely agreed that the necessitation thesis is seriously threatened by the problem of deviant realizations . Based on the Gricean pragmatic theory of communication, I defend the necessitation thesis against the problem of deviant realizations. The present account bears some significant similarities to Pierre Saint‐Germier's account. After comparing and contrasting these two accounts, I argue that the differences between them actually speak in favour of the present account over Saint‐Germier's one.