Single Idea 6079

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

Full Idea

If we replace modal words like 'possible' with quantification across worlds, clearly the notion of 'world' must exclude impossible worlds, otherwise 'possibly p' will be true if 'p' holds in an impossible world.

Clarification

'Quantification' asserts what a proposition is referring to

Gist of Idea

If 'possible' is explained as quantification across worlds, there must be possible worlds

Source

Colin McGinn (Logical Properties [2000], Ch.4)

Book Reference

McGinn,Colin: 'Logical Properties' [OUP 2003], p.70


A Reaction

The point here, of course, is that the question is being begged of what 'possible' and 'impossible' actually mean.