|
||
Definition:
A counterfactual is any conditional statement (if X, then Y) in which the antecedent
(X) is known to be false. For example:
If I were a Martian, I would have a ray-gun.
Counterfactuals can be useful as arguments for testing the implications of theories and hypotheses.
Also Known As: contrary-to-fact, unfulfilled
Alternate Spellings: none
Common Misspellings: none
Related Resources:
What is the Logic and the Philosophy of Language?
The two fields Logic and the Philosophy of Language are often treated separately, but they are nevertheless close enough that they are presented together here. Logic is the study of methods of reasoning and argumentation, both proper and improper. The Philosophy of Language, on the other hand, involves the study of how our language interacts with our thinking.What is Philosophy?
What is philosophy? Is there any point in studying philosophy, or is it a useless subject? What are the different branches of philosophy - what's the difference between aestheitcs and ethics? What's the difference between metaphysics and epistemology?
