In Defense of Constitutivism About Epistemic Normativity

Epistemic constitutivism (EC ) holds that the nature of believing is such it gives rise to a standard correctness and other epistemic normative notions (e.g., reasons for belief) can be explained in terms this standard. If defensible, view promises an attractive unifying account normativity. However, EC faces forceful objection: constitutive standards are never enough generating reasons. This paper aims defend face objection. I do so two steps. First, dispute crucial assumption underlying case against EC: general ‘reason-giving’ only if because there also prior reason comply with them. Second, outline strategy how meet challenge explaining what's special about activity that, unlike standard-governed activities, capable