more from Bertrand Russell

Single Idea 22308

[catalogued under 10. Modality / B. Possibility / 1. Possibility]

Full Idea

Possibility always marks insufficient analysis: when analysis is completed, only the actual can be relevant, for the simple reason that there is only the actual, and that the mere possibility is nothing.

Gist of Idea

Only the actual exists, so possibilities always reduce to actuality after full analysis

Source

Bertrand Russell (Papers of 1913 [1913], VII.26), quoted by Michael Potter - The Rise of Analytic Philosophy 1879-1930 42 'Logic'

Book Reference

Potter,Michael: 'The Rise of Anaytic Philosophy 1879-1930' [Routledge 2020], p.288


A Reaction

Quine agreed with Russell on this. You won't get far in life if you deny possibilities. The answer is to recognise that the actual is dynamic, and not passive.