Single Idea 12234

[catalogued under 10. Modality / E. Possible worlds / 1. Possible Worlds / e. Against possible worlds]

Full Idea

Any realist theory of possible worlds will be circular in its attempt to illuminate modality, for there has to be some criterion of what counts as a possible world.

Gist of Idea

Realism about possible worlds is circular, since it needs a criterion of 'possible'

Source

David S. Oderberg (Real Essentialism [2007], 1.1)

Book Reference

Oderberg,David S.: 'Real Essentialism' [Routledge 2009], p.2


A Reaction

Seems right. At the very least, if we are going to rule out contradictory worlds as impossible (and is there a more obvious criterion?), we already need to understand 'impossible' in order to state that rule.