Single Idea 15130

[catalogued under 4. Formal Logic / D. Modal Logic ML / 7. Barcan Formula]

Full Idea

Barcan's axiom says if there can be something that has a certain property, then there is something that can have that property. It and its converse are not obviously correct or incorrect. They claim that it is non-contingent what individuals there are.

Gist of Idea

If a property is possible, there is something which can have it

Source

Timothy Williamson (Laudatio: Prof Ruth Barcan Marcus [2011], p.1)


A Reaction

Williamson defends the two Barcan formulas, but the more I understand them the less plausible they sound to me.