Single Idea 15071

[catalogued under 7. Existence / D. Theories of Reality / 8. Facts / b. Types of fact]

Full Idea

A tensed fact is stated by a tensed sentence while a tenseless fact is stated by a tenseless sentence, and they belong to two 'realms' of reality. That Socrates drank hemlock is in the temporal realm, while 2+2=4 is presumably in the timeless realm.

Gist of Idea

Tensed and tenseless sentences state two sorts of fact, which belong to two different 'realms' of reality

Source

Kit Fine (Necessity and Non-Existence [2005], 07)

Book Reference

Fine,Kit: 'Modality and Tense' [OUP 2005], p.341


A Reaction

Put so strongly, I suddenly find sales resistance to his proposal. All my instincts favour one realm, and I take 2+2=4 to be a highly general truth about that realm. It may be a truth of any possible realm, which would distinguish it.