Single Idea 14687

[catalogued under 10. Modality / E. Possible worlds / 1. Possible Worlds / b. Impossible worlds]

Full Idea

If one ignores impossible worlds, then ways things might have been are the only ways for things to be that are left.

Gist of Idea

Without impossible worlds, how things might have been is the only way for things to be

Source

Nathan Salmon (The Logic of What Might Have Been [1989], IV)

Book Reference

Salmon,Nathan: 'Metaphysics, Mathematics and Meaning' [OUP 2005], p.142


A Reaction

Impossible worlds are included in 'ways for things to be', but excluded from 'ways things might have been'. I struggle with a circle being square as a 'way for circles to be'. I suppose being the greatest philosopher is a way for me to be.

Related Idea

Idea 14682 Denial of impossible worlds involves two different confusions [Salmon,N]