Modality (Central Problems of Philosophy) - Softcover

Melia, Joseph

Softcover

ISBN 10: 190268348X ISBN 13: 9781902683485

Publisher: Routledge, 2003

Synopsis

This introduction to modality places the emphasis on the metaphysics of modality rather than on the formal semetics of quantified modal logic. The text begins by introducing students to the "de re/de dicto" distinction, conventionalist and conceptualist theories of modality and some of the key problems in modality, particularly Quine's criticisms. It then moves on to explain how possible worlds provide a solution to many of the problems in modality and how possible worlds themselves have been used to analyse notions outside modality such as properties and propositions. Possible worlds introduce problems of their own and the book argues that to make progress with these problems a theory of possible worlds is required. The pros and cons of various theories of possible worlds are then examined in turn, including those of Lewis, Kripke, Adams, Stalnaker and Plantinga.

About this title

About the Author

Joseph Melia

Edition details

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 2003
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 190268348X
• ISBN 13: 9781902683485
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 200