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Single Idea 18747

[filed under theme 10. Modality / E. Possible worlds / 1. Possible Worlds / a. Possible worlds ]

Full Idea

The notion of a possible worlds model was extended (resulting in the concept of a 'spheres model') in order to obtain a satisfactory logical treatment of counterfactual conditional sentences.

Gist of Idea

The 'spheres model' was added to possible worlds, to cope with counterfactuals

Source

Horsten,L/Pettigrew,R (Mathematical Methods in Philosophy [2014], 4)

Book Ref

'Bloomsbury Companion to Philosophical Logic', ed/tr. Horsten,L/Pettigrew,R [Bloomsbury 2014], p.19


A Reaction

Thus we add 'centred' worlds, and an 'actual' world, to the loose original model. It is important to remember when we discuss 'close' worlds that we are then committed to these presuppositions.


The 9 ideas from Horsten,L/Pettigrew,R

Three stages of philosophical logic: syntactic (1905-55), possible worlds (1963-85), widening (1990-) [Horsten/Pettigrew]
Logical formalization makes concepts precise, and also shows their interrelation [Horsten/Pettigrew]
If 'exist' doesn't express a property, we can hardly ask for its essence [Horsten/Pettigrew]
A Tarskian model can be seen as a possible state of affairs [Horsten/Pettigrew]
Models are sets with functions and relations, and truth built up from the components [Horsten/Pettigrew]
Possible worlds models contain sets of possible worlds; this is a large metaphysical commitment [Horsten/Pettigrew]
The 'spheres model' was added to possible worlds, to cope with counterfactuals [Horsten/Pettigrew]
Epistemic logic introduced impossible worlds [Horsten/Pettigrew]
Using possible worlds for knowledge and morality may be a step too far [Horsten/Pettigrew]