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Single Idea 16448

[from 'Mere Possibilities' by Robert C. Stalnaker, in 19. Language / C. Assigning Meanings / 8. Possible Worlds Semantics ]

Full Idea

Most theorists agree that possible worlds semantics cannot provide an analysis of modal concepts which is an eliminative reduction, but it can still provide an explanation of the meanings of modal expressions.

Gist of Idea

Possible world semantics may not reduce modality, but it can explain it

Source

Robert C. Stalnaker (Mere Possibilities [2012], 2.2)

Book Reference

Stalnaker,Robert C.: 'Mere Possibilities' [Princeton 2012], p.30


A Reaction

Stalnaker cites Kit Fine for the view that there is no reduction of modality, which Fine takes to be primitive. Stalnaker defends the semantics, while denying the reduction which Lewis thought possible.