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Single Idea 15162

[filed under theme 10. Modality / A. Necessity / 5. Metaphysical Necessity ]

Full Idea

Our understanding of metaphysical necessity is intuitive - drawn from our ordinary thought and talk.

Gist of Idea

We understand metaphysical necessity intuitively, from ordinary life

Source

Scott Soames (Philosophy of Language [2010], 3.1)

Book Ref

Soames,Scott: 'Philosophy of Language' [Princeton 2010], p.53


A Reaction

This, of course, is a good reason for analytic philosophers to dislike metaphysical necessity.


The 9 ideas from 'Philosophy of Language'

To study meaning, study truth conditions, on the basis of syntax, and representation by the parts [Soames]
Tarski's account of truth-conditions is too weak to determine meanings [Soames]
We should use cognitive states to explain representational propositions, not vice versa [Soames]
Recognising the definite description 'the man' as a quantifier phrase, not a singular term, is a real insight [Soames]
The universal and existential quantifiers were chosen to suit mathematics [Soames]
Indefinite descriptions are quantificational in subject position, but not in predicate position [Soames]
The interest of quantified modal logic is its metaphysical necessity and essentialism [Soames]
We understand metaphysical necessity intuitively, from ordinary life [Soames]
There are more metaphysically than logically necessary truths [Soames]