Single Idea 14629

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

Full Idea

If we ask why A must be the case, and A is then proved from B, that explains it if B must be so. If the eventual source cites some truth F, then if F just is so, there is strong pressure to feel that the original necessity has not been explained.

Gist of Idea

If we are told the source of necessity, this seems to be a regress if the source is not already necessary

Source

Simon Blackburn (Morals and Modals [1987], 1)

Book Reference

'Metaphysics - An Anthology', ed/tr. Sosa,E. /Kim,J. [Blackwell 1999], p.635


A Reaction

[compressed] Ross Cameron wrote a reply to this which I like. I'm fishing for the idea that essence is the source of necessity (as Kit Fine says), but that essence itself is not necessary (as only I say, apparently!).