Modality

Central Problems of Philosophy

by Joseph Melia

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.

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction

200 pages, Hardcover

First published May 11, 2003

Reviews

[Peter Stanbridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is not only an excellent introduction to the philosophy of modality, it’s explanations of models was the only explanations that had ever made sense to me. So good I have now taken up a study of model theory only made possible by this book. I think that the author should write an equivalent book on that subject.

My only disappointment with completing this book (twice) and this is my fault, not the authors, is that I am no closer to being able to give my own views on the subject of modality than before reading it. Every view seems to have too many good arguments against it.