Combining Philosophers

Ideas for Richard Price, Isaac Beeckman and Timothy Williamson

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2 ideas

10. Modality / E. Possible worlds / 3. Transworld Objects / e. Possible Objects
Our ability to count objects across possibilities favours the Barcan formulas [Williamson]
     Full Idea: Consideration of our ability to count objects across possibilities strongly favour both the Barcan formula and its converse.
     From: Timothy Williamson (Truthmakers and Converse Barcan Formula [1999], §3)
     A reaction: I'm not sure that I can understand counting objects across possibilities. The objects themselves are possibilia, and possibilia seem to include unknowns. The unexpected is highly possible.
If talking donkeys are possible, something exists which could be a talking donkey [Williamson, by Cameron]
     Full Idea: Williamson's view on modality is that everything that could exist does exist: since there could exist a talking donkey there actually exists some thing that could be a talking donkey.
     From: report of Timothy Williamson (Modal Logic as Metaphysics [2013], n20) by Ross P. Cameron - Truthmaking for Presentists n20
     A reaction: Well that thing certainly isn't me, or Tim Williamson. I'm guessing that the thing is an actual donkey, probably a rather bright one. Actually, I think this is one of those views that invites the incredulous stare. (Barcan formulae).