Conceptual Engineering, the Externalist Worry, and My Dog Kripke

Many authors worry that metasemantic externalism renders conceptual engineering impossible, as the facts determining meaning are beyond our control. I argue that this externalist worry is misplaced: There is no conflict between metasemantic externalism and conceptual engineering. I start by criticizing two extant strategies to reconcile conceptual engineering with metasemantic externalism on the grounds that they both lead to violations of crucial epistemic and conversational norms. I then propose a novel account, according to which conceptual engineers should be seen as re-introducing terms. This approach not only aligns with metasemantic externalism but also overcomes the issues present in extant strategies and stands on its own as a more plausible theory. I conclude by exploring the consequences of my account for implementation, and by defending it against objections.