Single Idea 9209

[catalogued under 10. Modality / A. Necessity / 5. Metaphysical Necessity]

Full Idea

There are two fundamental ways in which a property may be metaphysically necessary: it may be a worldly necessity, true whatever the circumstances; or it may be a transcendent necessity, true regardless of the circumstances.

Gist of Idea

Metaphysical necessity may be 'whatever the circumstance', or 'regardless of circumstances'

Source

Kit Fine (Intro to 'Modality and Tense' [2005], p.10)

Book Reference

Fine,Kit: 'Modality and Tense' [OUP 2005], p.10


A Reaction

[See Fine's 'Necessity and Non-Existence' for further details] The distinction seems to be that the first sort needs some circumstances (e.g. a physical world?), whereas the second sort doesn't (logical relations?). He also applies it to existence.