Robert Williams on Decision Making Under Indeterminacy
Jan 9, 2025
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Delve into the intriguing world of decision-making amidst indeterminacy. Discover how philosophical distinctions between determinacy and indeterminacy shape our understanding of truth and logic. Explore the challenges presented by moral dilemmas, particularly those involving personhood and end-of-life choices. The discussion reveals that truth may exist on a spectrum, complicating our moral reasoning. Engage with the complexities of navigating uncertainties that arise in both linguistic and ethical contexts.
Indeterminacy differs from uncertainty, challenging conventional logic by revealing that truth and falsehood may not apply in decision-making scenarios.
Approaching moral questions, such as the personhood of a fetus, through an indeterminacy lens complicates ethical reasoning beyond binary true or false classifications.
Deep dives
Understanding Indeterminacy
Indeterminacy differs from uncertainty in significant ways, particularly in decision-making scenarios. While uncertainty involves a lack of knowledge about a specific fact that exists, indeterminacy suggests that certain concepts, such as truth and falsehood, cannot be conventionally applied. For instance, determining whether a collection of stones constitutes a 'heap' can lead to indeterminate cases where it is unclear if the collection qualifies as such. This distinction challenges traditional views of logic and reveals deeper philosophical questions about the nature of truth.
The Complexity of Moral Decisions
When applied to moral decision-making, indeterminacy raises challenging questions that go beyond mere uncertainty. For example, the ethical consideration of when a fetus gains personhood involves a continuum of stages that do not easily fit within binary classifications of true or false. If one approaches this issue from an indeterminacy standpoint, it becomes evident that there may not be a precise cutoff point for determining personhood. This perspective complicates moral reasoning, highlighting that some decisions might not have a definitive right answer.
Degrees of Truth and Logical Implications
Exploring the idea of degrees of truth offers a potential framework for understanding indeterminacy beyond binary classifications. This approach suggests that propositions could be true to varying extents, such as a statement being 0.75 true rather than simply true or false. Implementing this model requires revising existing logic systems and reconsidering how truth interacts with rational decision-making. The implications of this perspective may significantly reshape philosophical discussions regarding truth and the nature of reality.
How can we make decisions under conditions of indeterminacy? Robert Williams discusses this challenging issue with Nigel Warburton.
This episode of the Philosophy Bites podcast has been made in association with Vagueness & Ethics, a research project funded by the European Commission (grant agreement number 101028625 — H2020-MSCA-IF-2020) and led by Miguel Dos Santos at Uppsala University.
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