Unrestricted Logical Inferentialism
This chapter develops and defends an unrestricted inferentialist theory of the meanings of logical constants. Unlike restricted inferentialism, unrestricted inferentialism puts no constraints on which rules can determine meanings. The foundations of inferentialism are also discussed, including various types of holism and the distinction between basic and derivative rules. In order to develop and defend a detailed inferentialist theory of logic, this chapter provides an inferentialist account of the “logical” constants, solves Carnap’s categoricity problem for the meanings of logical constants, and provides inferentialist approaches to both the psychology and metaphysics of logic. Finally, the chapter briefly discusses the challenge to unrestricted inferentialism posed by tonk and related types of bad company. Building on the foundation provided by Part I (chapters 1-2) of the book, this chapter provides a freestanding development and defense of logical inferentialism.