Single Idea 4195

[catalogued under 10. Modality / B. Possibility / 1. Possibility]

Full Idea

Reasoning itself depends upon a grasp of possibilities, because a valid argument is one in which it is not possible for the conclusion to be false if the premises are true.

Gist of Idea

It is impossible to reach a valid false conclusion from true premises, so reason itself depends on possibility

Source

E.J. Lowe (A Survey of Metaphysics [2002], p.11)

Book Reference

Lowe,E.J.: 'A Survey of Metaphysics' [OUP 2002], p.11


A Reaction

A very valuable corrective to my pessimistic view of philosophers' attempts to understand metaphysical necessity. But if we can only grasp natural necessity, then all reason is naturalistic.