Single Idea 11183

[catalogued under 10. Modality / E. Possible worlds / 1. Possible Worlds / a. Possible worlds]

Full Idea

The usefulness of talk about possible worlds is not for purposes of individuating the object - that can be done in this world; such talk is a way of sorting its properties.

Gist of Idea

The use of possible worlds is to sort properties (not to individuate objects)

Source

Ruth Barcan Marcus (Essential Attribution [1971], p.192)

Book Reference

-: 'Nous' [-], p.192


A Reaction

'Possible worlds are a device for sorting properties' sounds to me like a promising slogan. Ruth Marcus originated rigid designation, before Kripke came up with the label.