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Full Idea
The combinatorial account only works if you allow that the elements are recombinable. ...But could Lincoln really have been green? It seems possible that you could jump to the moon, unless we impose some restrictions.
Gist of Idea
Combinatorial possibility has to allow all elements to be combinable, which seems unlikely
Source
Stephen Mumford (Metaphysics: a very short introduction [2012], 8)
Book Ref
Mumford,Stephen: 'Metaphysics: A Very Short Introduction' [OUP 2012], p.84
A Reaction
Mumford suggests different combination rules for logical and natural possibility. The general objection is that combinatorial possibility is too permissive - which it clearly is.
18617 | Substances, unlike aggregates, can survive a change of parts [Mumford] |
18618 | Maybe possibilities are recombinations of the existing elements of reality [Mumford] |
18619 | Combinatorial possibility has to allow all elements to be combinable, which seems unlikely [Mumford] |
18620 | Combinatorial possibility relies on what actually exists (even over time), but there could be more [Mumford] |