Alethic Pluralism and the Problem of Mixed Discourse

Document Type : Original Research

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Abstract
Alethic pluralism maintains that truth is realized by different truth-conferring properties in different domains of discourse. A challenge for this view arises from mixed discourse, namely propositions and inferences that combine contents from distinct domains. This paper examines the problem at three levels: mixed atomic propositions, mixed compound propositions, and mixed inferences. Its central claim is that these forms of mixed discourse are not equally problematic. Moderate versions of alethic pluralism, especially Lynch’s functionalist account, can explain mixed compounds and mixed inferences by appealing to a higher-order property of truth shared across domains. Mixed atomic propositions, however, remain resistant to such treatment because they involve cross-domain interaction at the most fundamental semantic level. The paper concludes that the ultimate viability of alethic pluralism depends on its ability to provide a convincing account of mixed atomic propositions.

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Volume 6, Issue 3
Summer 2026

  • Receive Date 23 May 2026
  • Revise Date 24 June 2026
  • Accept Date 25 June 2026
  • Publish Date 23 July 2026