Single Idea 15079

[catalogued under 10. Modality / A. Necessity / 3. Types of Necessity]

Full Idea

I can accept 'conceptual' necessity, as long as it is only identified with 'narrow' logical necessity. For I take it that the 'conceptually' necessary is that which is true solely in virtue of concepts together with the laws of logic.

Clarification

'Conceptual' necessity rests just on concepts and logic

Gist of Idea

'Conceptual' necessity is narrow logical necessity, true because of concepts and logical laws

Source

E.J. Lowe (The Possibility of Metaphysics [1998], 1.4)

Book Reference

Lowe,E.J.: 'The Possibility of Metaphysics' [OUP 2001], p.14


A Reaction

In the narrow version of logical necessity (Idea 8260) some definitions are required in addition to the mere laws of logic. This implies that the concepts are dependent of definitions, which is a bit restrictive. Aren't we allowed undefined concepts?

Related Idea

Idea 8260 Logical necessity can be 'strict' (laws), or 'narrow' (laws and definitions), or 'broad' (all logical worlds) [Lowe]