Single Idea 16983

[catalogued under 10. Modality / E. Possible worlds / 2. Nature of Possible Worlds / a. Nature of possible worlds]

Full Idea

In studying probabilities with dice, we are introduced at a tender age to a set of 36 (miniature) possible worlds, if we (fictively) ignore everything except the two dice. …The possibilities are abstract states of the dice, not physical entities.

Gist of Idea

Probability with dice uses possible worlds, abstractions which fictionally simplify things

Source

Saul A. Kripke (Naming and Necessity preface [1980], p.16)

Book Reference

Kripke,Saul: 'Naming and Necessity' [Blackwell 1980], p.16


A Reaction

Interesting for the introduction by the great man of the words 'fictional' and 'abstract' into the discussion. He says elsewhere that he takes worlds to be less than real, but more than mere technical devices.