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Single Idea 5447

[from 'The Philosophy of Nature: new essentialism' by Brian Ellis, in 10. Modality / C. Sources of Modality / 6. Necessity from Essence ]

Full Idea

Metaphysical necessities are propositions that are true in virtue of the essences of things.

Gist of Idea

Metaphysical necessities are true in virtue of the essences of things

Source

Brian Ellis (The Philosophy of Nature: new essentialism [2002], Ch.1)

Book Reference

Ellis,Brian: 'The Philosophy of Nature: new essentialism' [Acumen 2002], p.15


A Reaction

I am cautious about this. It sounds like huge Leibnizian metaphysical claims riding in on the back of a rather sensible new view of the laws of science. How can we justify equating natural necessity with metaphysical necessity?