Single Idea 6987

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

Full Idea

We should not multiply senses of necessity beyond necessity.

Gist of Idea

We should not multiply senses of necessity beyond necessity

Source

Frank Jackson (From Metaphysics to Ethics [1998], Ch.3)

Book Reference

Jackson,Frank: 'From Metaphysics to Ethics' [OUP 2000], p.70


A Reaction

It would be nice if there was just one sense of necessity, with the multiplication arising from the different ways in which necessities arise. In chess, checkmate is a necessity which rests on contingencies. Absolute necessities seem different.