Combining Texts

All the ideas for 'fragments/reports', 'Modal Logic as Metaphysics' and 'The Golden Bowl, and Lit as Moral Philosophy'

unexpand these ideas     |    start again     |     specify just one area for these texts


3 ideas

10. Modality / E. Possible worlds / 3. Transworld Objects / e. Possible Objects
If talking donkeys are possible, something exists which could be a talking donkey [Williamson, by Cameron]
     Full Idea: Williamson's view on modality is that everything that could exist does exist: since there could exist a talking donkey there actually exists some thing that could be a talking donkey.
     From: report of Timothy Williamson (Modal Logic as Metaphysics [2013], n20) by Ross P. Cameron - Truthmaking for Presentists n20
     A reaction: Well that thing certainly isn't me, or Tim Williamson. I'm guessing that the thing is an actual donkey, probably a rather bright one. Actually, I think this is one of those views that invites the incredulous stare. (Barcan formulae).
21. Aesthetics / C. Artistic Issues / 7. Art and Morality
Musical performance can reveal a range of virtues [Damon of Ath.]
     Full Idea: In singing and playing the lyre, a boy will be likely to reveal not only courage and moderation, but also justice.
     From: Damon (fragments/reports [c.460 BCE], B4), quoted by (who?) - where?
The Aristotelian idea that choices can be perceived needs literary texts to expound it [Nussbaum]
     Full Idea: To show forth the Aristotelian claim that 'the decision rests with perception', we need - either side by side with a philosophical outline or inside it - literary texts which display the complexity, indeterminacy, and sheer difficulty of moral choice.
     From: Martha Nussbaum (The Golden Bowl, and Lit as Moral Philosophy [1983], II)
     A reaction: Berys Gaut observes that this depends on a particularist view of moral choice (usually seen as Aristotelian), with little interest in principles.