more from R.D. Ingthorsson

Single Idea 22638

[catalogued under 10. Modality / E. Possible worlds / 1. Possible Worlds / e. Against possible worlds]

Full Idea

Even if possible worlds could differ in many different respects, there is no useful way to combine these different respects into one measure of overall comparative similarity.

Gist of Idea

Worlds may differ in various respects, but no overall similarity of worlds is implied

Source

R.D. Ingthorsson (A Powerful Particulars View of Causation [2021], 9.7)

Book Reference

'Oxford Handbook of Philosophy of Time', ed/tr. Callender,Craig [OUP 2013], p.168


A Reaction

[idea of Michael Moreau 2010] This is an objection to the use of 'close' possible worlds in causation theories. The idea is true in general of the concept of similarity. It makes sense of specific 'respects', but not really of two whole objects.