Single Idea 12687

[catalogued under 10. Modality / C. Sources of Modality / 1. Sources of Necessity]

Full Idea

A metaphysically necessary proposition is one that is true in virtue of the essential nature of things.

Gist of Idea

Metaphysical necessities are those depending on the essential nature of things

Source

Brian Ellis (The Metaphysics of Scientific Realism [2009], 6)

Book Reference

Ellis,Brian: 'The Metaphysics of Scientific Realism' [Acument 2009], p.116


A Reaction

It take this to be what Kit Fine argues for, though it tracks back to Aristotle. I also take it to be correct, though one might ask whether there are any other metaphysical necessities, ones not depending on essences.