more from Alvin Plantinga

Single Idea 16472

[catalogued under 10. Modality / E. Possible worlds / 1. Possible Worlds / d. Possible worlds actualism]

Full Idea

Plantinga's critics worry that the metaphysics is actualist in name only, since it is achieved only by populating the actual world with entities whose nature is explained in terms of merely possible things that would exemplify them if anything did.

Gist of Idea

Plantinga's actualism is nominal, because he fills actuality with possibilia

Source

comment on Alvin Plantinga (Actualism and Possible Worlds [1976]) by Robert C. Stalnaker - Mere Possibilities 4.4

Book Reference

Stalnaker,Robert C.: 'Mere Possibilities' [Princeton 2012], p.123


A Reaction

Plantinga seems a long way from the usual motivation for actualism, which is probably sceptical empiricism, and building a system on what is smack in front of you. Possibilities have to be true, though. That's why you need dispositions in actuality.