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Full Idea
A proof of actuality is a proof of possibility, but that does not invariably explain the possibility whose existence it demonstrates, for we may know that a certain thing is actual (and hence possible) but have no explanation of how it could be possible.
Gist of Idea
Actuality proves possibility, but that doesn't explain how it is possible
Source
Peter van Inwagen (Material Beings [1990], 12)
Book Ref
Inwagen,Peter van: 'Material Beings' [Cornell 1995], p.120
A Reaction
I like this, because my project is to see all of philosophy in terms of explanation rather than of description.
Related Idea
Idea 7950 Philosophy tries to explain how the actual is possible, given that it seems impossible [Macdonald,C]
| 3013 | Nothing is stronger than necessity, which rules everything [Thales, by Diog. Laertius] |
| 12978 | A perfect idea of an object shows that the object is possible [Leibniz] |
| 5483 | Essentialists deny possible worlds, and say possibilities are what is compatible with the actual world [Ellis] |
| 16436 | Modal concepts are central to the actual world, and shouldn't need extravagant metaphysics [Stalnaker] |
| 17572 | Actuality proves possibility, but that doesn't explain how it is possible [Inwagen] |
| 12186 | Modal realists hold that necessities and possibilities are part of the totality of facts [McFetridge] |
| 6080 | Modality is not objects or properties, but the type of binding of objects to properties [McGinn] |
| 14689 | Necessity and possibility are not just necessity and possibility according to the actual world [Salmon,N] |
| 11108 | Your properties, not some other world, decide your possibilities [Jubien] |
| 11111 | Modal truths are facts about parts of this world, not about remote maximal entities [Jubien] |
| 11118 | Modal propositions transcend the concrete, but not the actual [Jubien] |
| 10745 | Science is modally committed, to disposition, causation and law [Oliver] |
| 15025 | The world does not contain necessity and possibility - merely how things are [Sider] |
| 12468 | A state of affairs is only possible if there has been an actual substance to initiate it [Pruss] |
| 12466 | All modality is in the properties and relations of the actual world [Jacobs] |