Single Idea 9205

[catalogued under 10. Modality / A. Necessity / 3. Types of Necessity]

Full Idea

There are three basic forms of necessity - the metaphysical (sourced in the identity of objects); natural necessity (in the 'fabric' of the universe); and normative necessity (in the realm of norms and values).

Gist of Idea

The three basic types of necessity are metaphysical, natural and normative

Source

Kit Fine (Intro to 'Modality and Tense' [2005], p. 7)

Book Reference

Fine,Kit: 'Modality and Tense' [OUP 2005], p.7


A Reaction

Earlier he has allowed, as less 'basic', logical necessity (in logical forms), and analytic necessity (in meaning). Fine insists that the three kinds should be kept separate (so no metaphysical necessities about nature). I resent this.

Related Idea

Idea 9442 The only necessity is logical necessity [Wittgenstein]