Modality: Metaphysics, Logic, and Epistemology

by Bob Hale, Aviv Hoffmann

Overview

The philosophy of modality investigates necessity and possibility, and related notions—are they objective features of mind-independent reality? If so, are they irreducible, or can modal facts be explained in other terms? This volume presents new work on modality by established leaders in the field and by up-and-coming philosophers. Between them, the papers address fundamental questions concerning realism and anti-realism about modality, the nature and basis of facts about what is possible and what is necessary, the nature of modal knowledge, modal logic and its relations to necessary existence and to counterfactual reasoning. The general introduction locates the individual contributions in the wider context of the contemporary discussion of the metaphysics and epistemology of modality.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780199671502
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	03/01/2013
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	370
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.10(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Bob Hale is Professor of Philosophy at Sheffield University. He has been a British Academy Research Reader (1997-99), and a Leverhulme Senior Research Fellow (2009-11). He previously taught at the University of Glasgow, the University of St. Andrews, and Lancaster University. He works mainly on the philosophy of mathematics and philosophical logic.

Aviv Hoffmann is Lecturer in Philosophy at the Open University of Israel.

Table of Contents

Introduction, Bob Hale and Aviv HoffmannPart I: METAPHYSICS and LOGIC1. Merely Possible Propositions, Robert StalnakerResponse to Robert Stalnaker, Aviv Hoffmann2. Logical Necessity, Ian Rumfitt3. Semantic Necessity, Kit Fine4. Modal Logic within Counterfactual Logic, Timothy Williamson5. Is Timothy Williamson a Necessary Existent?, David Efird6. Metaphysical Dependence: Grounding and Reduction, Gideon Rosen7. On the Source of Necessity, Ross Cameron8. The Reality of Modality, Anna Sherratt9. IBE, GMR, and Metaphysical Projects, Scott Shalkowksi10. Modal Commitments, John DiversResponse to John Divers, Daniel NolanPart II: EPISTEMOLOGY11. Permission and (So-Called Epistemic) Possibility, Stephen YabloResponse to Stephen Yablo, David Efird12. Possible Worlds and the Necessary A Posteriori, Frank JacksonResponse to Frank Jackson, Penelope Mackie13. Apriorism about Modality, Scott SturgeonResponse to Scott Sturgeon, C.S. Jenkins14. Conceivability and Apparent Possibility, Dominic GregoryResponse to Dominic Gregory, Ross CameronBibliographyIndex