Modality
Subtitle: metaphysics, logic, and epistemology
By: edited by Bob Hale, Aviv Hoffmann
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Published: 2010
Place of publication: Oxford; qnew York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 363
ISBN-13: 9780199565818
Description: The philosophy of modality investigates necessity and possibility, and related notions--are they objective features of mind-independent reality? If so, are they irreducible, or can modal facts be explained in other terms? This volume presents new work on modality by established leaders in the field and by up-and-coming philosophers. Between them, the papers address fundamental questions concerning realism and anti-realism about modality, the nature and basis of facts about what is possible and what is necessary, the nature of modal knowledge, modal logic and its relations to necessary existence and to counterfactual reasoning. The general introduction locates the individual contributions in the wider context of the contemporary discussion of the metaphysics and epistemology of modality.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. [347]-257) and index.
Table of contents: title: Introduction / -- Bob Hale and Aviv Hoffmann; title: Metaphysics and logic.; title: Merely possible propositions  -- Robert Stalnaker ;; title: Response to Robert Stalnaker  -- Aviv Hoffmann ;; title: Logical necessity  -- Ian Rumfitt ;; title: Semantic Necessity  -- Kit Fine ;; title: Modal logic within counterfactual logic  -- Timothy Williamson ;; title: Is Timothy Williamson a Necessary Existent?  -- David Efird ;; title: Metaphysical dependence :; title: grounding and reduction  -- Gideon Rosen ;; title: On the source of necessity  -- Ross P. Cameron ;; title: The reality of modality  -- Anna Sherratt ;; title: IBE, GMR, and metaphysical projects  -- Scott A. Shalkowski ;; title: Modal commitments  -- John Divers ;; title: Response to John Divers  -- Daniel Nolan; title: Epistemology.; title: Permission and (so-called epistemic) possibility  -- Stephen Yablo ;; title: Response to Stephen Yablo  -- David Efird ;; title: Possible worlds and the necessary a posteriori  -- Frank Jackson ;; title: Response to Frank Jackson  -- Penelope Mackie ;; title: Apriorism about modality  -- Scott Sturgeon ;; title: Response to Scott Sturgeon  -- C. S. Jenkins ;; title: Conceivability and apparent possibility  -- Dominic Gregory ;; title: Response to Dominic Gregory -- Ross P. Cameron.