STORRE Collection: Electronic copies of Law and Philosophy journal articles.Electronic copies of Law and Philosophy journal articles.http://hdl.handle.net/1893/2182024-03-29T11:15:33Z2024-03-29T11:15:33ZScience Denial, Cognitive Command and the Theory-Ladenness of Observation: A Postscript for a Time of ‘Post-Truth’Wright, Crispinhttp://hdl.handle.net/1893/358612024-03-20T01:00:20Z2024-01-22T00:00:00ZTitle: Science Denial, Cognitive Command and the Theory-Ladenness of Observation: A Postscript for a Time of ‘Post-Truth’
Author(s): Wright, Crispin
Abstract: One worrying aspect of contemporary Western Society is the increasing prevalence of instances of ‘Science Denial’ in popular culture. Examples include both cases where well-attested scientific hypotheses are rejected and conversely, where scientifically discredited ideas are stubbornly retained. The paper raises the question whether the kind of argument for an anti-realist conception of empirical scientific theory considered in my contribution to the inaugural issue of this journal could in principle provide intellectual succour for these trends. The discussion proceeds through an examination of the role of ‘takings for granted’ in all reflective enquiry to the conclusion that a trusting acceptance of the general credibility of informants is a precondition for the exercise of individual epistemic responsibility, and that in that context an acceptance of at least the empirical adequacy, if not the truth, realistically understood, of the teachings of scientists in general is rationally non-optional.2024-01-22T00:00:00ZKripke, Quine, the 'Adoption Problem' and the Empirical Conception of LogicBoghossian, PaulWright, Crispinhttp://hdl.handle.net/1893/358572024-03-18T01:00:14Z2024-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: Kripke, Quine, the 'Adoption Problem' and the Empirical Conception of Logic
Author(s): Boghossian, Paul; Wright, Crispin
Abstract: Recently, there has been a significant upsurge of interest in what has come to be known as the 'Adoption Problem', first developed by Saul Kripke in 1974. The problem purports to raise a difficulty for Quine’s anti-exceptionalist conception of logic. In what follows, we first offer a statement of the problem and argue that, so understood, it depends upon natural but resistible assumptions. We then use that discussion as a springboard for developing a different adoption problem, arguing that, for a significant class of basic logical principles, there is indeed a difficulty in seeing how they might be ‘freely adopted,’ thereby vindicating something close to the spirit of Kripke’s original claim. This first part of our argument will enforce a significant qualification of Quine’s claim that basic logical principles can be empirically confirmed. In the concluding sections of the paper, we turn to the question, specifically, of the empirical revisability of logic, arguing that when proper attention is paid to the role of reasoning in theory revision, it does indeed emerge that anti-exceptionalism, in full generality, is untenable.2024-01-01T00:00:00ZScots law, 16- and 17-year-olds and the UNCRC: balancing autonomy and protectionKirk, Tracyhttp://hdl.handle.net/1893/358522024-03-14T01:02:03ZTitle: Scots law, 16- and 17-year-olds and the UNCRC: balancing autonomy and protection
Author(s): Kirk, TracyThe European Climate Law: Strengthening EU Procedural Climate Governance?Kulovesi, KatiSebastian, OberthurHarro, van HasseltSavaresi, Annalisahttp://hdl.handle.net/1893/358492024-03-14T01:00:54Z2024-01-12T00:00:00ZTitle: The European Climate Law: Strengthening EU Procedural Climate Governance?
Author(s): Kulovesi, Kati; Sebastian, Oberthur; Harro, van Hasselt; Savaresi, Annalisa
Abstract: In 2021, the European Union (EU) adopted the so-called European Climate Law (ECL), enshrining in law the 2050 climate-neutrality objective and upgraded 2030 emission reduction target. The ECL bears the hallmarks of what we term ‘procedural climate governance’, which comprises the regulatory frameworks, instruments, institutions and processes that shape substantive climate policies and their implementation. This article identifies seven key functions of procedural climate governance—target-setting; planning; monitoring and evaluation; climate policy integration; scientific expert advice; access to justice; and public participation—and uses these for critically assessing the ECL. We argue that while the ECL has significantly strengthened important aspects of EU procedural climate governance, further reforms are needed for the EU to develop and implement the substantive policies towards a climate-neutral and climate-resilient economy and society and to bolster public support and ownership of the transition. The upcoming reviews of the ECL and the Governance Regulation provide a critical opportunity for strengthening procedural climate governance in the EU.2024-01-12T00:00:00Z