Leonardo Ceragioli will present “Proof-theoretic semantics and anti-exceptionalism” at the workshop Realism and anti-realism. Paradigms and research programmes in logic and the philosophy of mathematics, held at the Carl Friedrich von Weizsäcker-Center of the University of Tübingen on April 28th-29th, 2025.

Abstract. In my seminar, I will explore the potential for integrating proof-theoretic semantics with anti-exceptionalism in logic. I will argue that this integration cannot be achieved by merely adding truth preservation or pragmatic criteria to the notion of harmony while treating these formal and anti-exceptionalist criteria as mutually independent. Instead, I contend that pragmatic criteria are already integral to the development of theories of meaning, and we must consider these theories in order to evaluate truth preservation effectively. To support my argument, I will reference three case studies from Dummett’s work: his debate with Putnam regarding quantum logic, his rejection of axiom B in modal logic, and his dismissal of multiple conclusions. Ultimately, I will assert that proof-theoretic semantics aligns with anti-exceptionalism, provided we adequately address the connections between anti-exceptionalist principles and the theory of meaning.