Fictionalism

Abstract ‘Fictionalism’ about a discourse is defined as an anti-realist account of the discourse that uses resources drawn from anti-realist theories of fiction. Nihilism does not count as a form of fictionalism in this sense. Some philosophers have offered revolutionary fictionalist accounts of truth. This chapter argues that revolutionary fictionalists about truth should consider incorporating nihilism into their theories. In response to Gamester’s pretence-based form of revolutionary fictionalism, it raises questions about whether this should be preferred to other forms of revolutionary fictionalism. The chapter then critically examines two hermeneutic fictionalist accounts of truth, one offered by Beall, another offered by Armour-Garb and Woodbridge. Finally, it makes some brief remarks about the prospects for hermeneutic fictionalism about truth-talk.