Combining Texts

Ideas for 'Metaphysics', 'The Problem of Empty Names' and 'On Motion'

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2 ideas

10. Modality / C. Sources of Modality / 6. Necessity from Essence
Some things have external causes of their necessity; others (the simple) generate necessities [Aristotle]
     Full Idea: For some things, the cause of their necessity is something other than themselves, whereas for others there is no such external cause, but rather they are themselves the necessary cause of other things being the case. The simple is fundamentally necessary.
     From: Aristotle (Metaphysics [c.324 BCE], 1015b14)
     A reaction: What is 'simple' is what terminates an explanation, and that is what-it-is-to-be each thing (its essence). The Greek view of necessity always seems to be a power to which we submit, rather than a passive state like true-in-all-worlds.
Aristotle's says necessary truths are distinct and derive from essential truths [Aristotle, by Koslicki]
     Full Idea: Aristotle conceives of the necessary truths as being distinct and derivative from the essential truths.
     From: report of Aristotle (Metaphysics [c.324 BCE], ess) by Kathrin Koslicki - Essence, Necessity and Explanation 13.1
     A reaction: This is precisely the view promoted by Kit Fine in 1994. It seems to fragment necessity, because there are many different necessities based on many different foundations.