Single Idea 18857

[catalogued under 10. Modality / A. Necessity / 5. Metaphysical Necessity]

Full Idea

According to the Standard Conception of Metaphysical Necessity, P is metaphysically necessary when it holds in every possible world in which the laws of metaphysics (about the form or structure of the actual world) hold

Gist of Idea

Standard Metaphysical Necessity: P holds wherever the actual form of the world holds

Source

Gideon Rosen (The Limits of Contingency [2006], 10)

Book Reference

'Identity and Modality', ed/tr. MacBride,Fraser [OUP 2006], p.38


A Reaction

Rosen has a second meaning, in Idea 18856. He thinks it is crucial to see that there are two senses, because many things come out as metaphysically necessary on one concept, but contingent on the other. Interesting....

Related Ideas

Idea 18856 Non-Standard Metaphysical Necessity: when ¬P is incompatible with the nature of things [Rosen]

Idea 18858 Sets, universals and aggregates may be metaphysically necessary in one sense, but not another [Rosen]