The Analytic Limit of Genuine Modal Realism

Authors: Divers J.¹; Melia J.²

Source: Mind, Volume 111, Number 441, 1 January 2002 , pp. 15-36(22)

Buy & download fulltext article:

Price: $35.78 plus tax (Refund Policy)

Abstract:

According to the Genuine Modal Realist, there is a plurality of possible worlds, each world nothing more than a maximally inter-related spatiotemporal sum. One advantage claimed for this position is that it offers us the resources to analyse, in a noncircular manner, the modal operators. In this paper, we argue that the prospects for such an analysis are poor. For the analysis of necessity as truth in all worlds to succeed it is not enough that no modal concepts be used in the realist's account of a possible world (a fact we grant); rather, such an analysis will succeed only if the set of worlds that is postulated is complete. By appealing to plausible truths about the number of possible alien natural properties, we show that there are serious difficulties in guaranteeing that such a set exists without taking some modal concept as primitive. Accordingly, at least in its current form, Genuine Modal Realism must curtail its analytic ambitions.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/mind/111.441.15

Affiliations: 1: School of Philosophy, University of Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK., Email: j.divers@leeds.ac.uk 2: School of Philosophy, University of Leeds, LS2 9JT UK., Email: j.w.melia@leeds.ac.uk

Publication date: 2002-01-01

More about this publication?

Mind has long been a leading journal in philosophy. For well over 100 years it has presented the best of cutting edge thought from epistemology, metaphysics, philosophy of language, philosophy of logic, and philosophy of mind. Mind continues its tradition of excellence today. Mind has always enjoyed a strong reputation for the high standards established by its editors and receives around 350 submissions each year. The editor seeks advice from a large number of expert referees, including members of the network of Associate Editors and his international advisers. Mind is published quarterly.