Single Idea 16190

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

Full Idea

In accordance with the Barcan Formula we assume that if it is possible that Wittgenstein should have had a child, then something or other is possibly Wittgentein's child.

Clarification

Wittgenstein had no children

Gist of Idea

BF implies that if W possibly had a child, then something is possibly W's child

Source

Ori Simchen (The Barcan Formula and Metaphysics [2013], §5)

Book Reference

-: 'Theoria' [-], p.20


A Reaction

Put like this it sounds unpersuasive. What is the something or other? Someone else's child? A dustbin? A bare particular? Wittgenstein's child? If it was the last one, how could it be Wittgenstein's child while only possibly being that thing?