In ordinary critical practice, we take for granted that we can learn from fictions (literary or visual), i.e., that we can acquire new warranted beliefs on that basis. We similarly assume that we can acquire experiential knowledge – knowledge of what it is like – and knowledge-how, whether or not they differ from propositional knowledge. But can this be philosophically justified? First, empirical research suggests that we can be gullible when exposed to fictions; second, there are thorny indeterminacy issues; and thirdly, in any case, by their very nature fictions appear to put fundamental barriers to the possibility of forming warranted beliefs on their basis. teorema invites submissions on all aspects of this topic, including the following: What is the nature of the fiction/non-fiction divide, and how does it affect the possibility of acquiring knowledge from them? Are there particular topics about which fiction is more adequate to provide knowledge? Could fictions include assertions? Is the content of truth claims in fictions more indeterminate than that of flat-out assertions, and does this raise any specific concerns? How does the possibility of acquiring knowledge from fictions affect their appraisal? What philosophical lessons can be gleaned from the empirical research on this topic?
teorema encourages submissions on these and related questions. Articles must be written in English and should not exceed 6,000 words. For the presentation of their articles, authors are requested to take into account the instructions available at: http://www.unioviedo.es/Teorema/English/Authors.html. Submissions must be suitable for blind review. Both a DOC and a PDF document must be sent to the Editor by November 15, 2015. Notification of intent to submit, including both a title and a brief summary of the content, will be greatly appreciated, as it will assist with the coordination and planning of the special issue.
Guest Editor for this issue will be Prof. Manuel García-Carpintero (University of Barcelona).
Contact details for queries and submissions:
Prof. Luis M. Valdés Villanueva
Editor of teorema
E-mail: teorema@uniovi.es
Deadline for submissions: November 15, 2015.