Single Idea 5732

[catalogued under 10. Modality / A. Necessity / 4. De re / De dicto modality]

Full Idea

In cases of 'de re' modality, it is a particular thing that has the property essentially or accidentally; where the modality attaches to the proposition, it is 'de dicto' - it is the whole truth that all bachelors are unmarried that is necessary.

Clarification

'De re' means concerning the thing; 'de dicto' means concerning the statement

Gist of Idea

'De re' modality is about things themselves, 'de dicto' modality is about propositions

Source

Joseph Melia (Modality [2003], Ch.1)

Book Reference

Melia,Joseph: 'Modality' [Acumen 2003], p.2


A Reaction

This seems to me one of the most important distinctions in metaphysics (as practised by analytical philosophers, who like distinctions). The first type leads off into the ontology, the second type veers towards epistemology.

Related Idea

Idea 13810 The source of de dicto necessity is not concepts, but the actual properties of the thing [Forbes,G]