Single Idea 14376

[catalogued under 10. Modality / B. Possibility / 1. Possibility]

Full Idea

A non-actual state of affairs in possible if there actually was a substance capable of initiating a causal chain, perhaps non-deterministic, that could lead to the state of affairs that we claim is possible.

Gist of Idea

States of affairs are only possible if some substance could initiate a causal chain to get there

Source

Jonathan D. Jacobs (A Powers Theory of Modality [2010], §4.2)

Book Reference

-: 'Philosophical Studies' [-], p.12


A Reaction

[He is quoting A.R. Pruss 2002] That seems exactly right. Of course the initial substance(s) might create a further substance, such as a transuranic element, which then produces the state of affairs. I favour this strongly actualist view.