1.

Record Nr.

UNINA9910785445103321

Autore

Melia Joseph

Titolo

Modality / / Joseph Melia

Pubbl/distr/stampa

Abingdon, Oxon : , : Routledge, , 2014

ISBN

0-7735-2480-0

0-7735-8338-6

1-317-48967-5

1-317-48968-3

1-315-71068-4

1-282-92135-5

9786612921353

1-84465-334-X

Descrizione fisica

1 online resource (viii, 190 pages) : digital, PDF file(s)

Collana

Central problems of philosophy

Disciplina

160

Soggetti

Modality (Logic)

Lingua di pubblicazione

Inglese

Formato

Materiale a stampa

Livello bibliografico

Monografia

Note generali

First published 2003 by Acumen.

Nota di bibliografia

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Nota di contenuto

Cover; Half Title; Title; Copyright; Contents; Acknowledgements; 1 Introduction to modality; 2 Modal language and modal logic; 3 Quinian scepticism; 4 Modalism; 5 Extreme realism; 6 Quiet moderate realism; 7 Possible worlds as sets of sentences; Notes; Further reading; Index

Sommario/riassunto

More and more philosophers are using modal notions to solve problems and to analyse concepts. In this introduction to the topic of modality Joseph Melia places his emphasis on a commitment to possible worlds as the best way to understand the nature of necessity. Melia demonstrates how different theories about possible worlds not only influence our more general modal beliefs but illustrate and illuminate various methodological considerations, such as the degree to which any philosophical theory ought to respect common sense. The book begins by introducing readers to various notions of possibility, the de re/de dicto distinction and the ubiquity of our modal concepts. It then presents an accessible introduction to modal logic and possible worlds semantics. Melia argues that by accepting possible worlds into



our metaphysics, we can justify such formal semantics, refute Quine's modal scepticism, and make sense of our ordinary thought and talk about the modal. Various theories of possible worlds are critically examined, including David Lewis's extreme realism, Alvin Plantinga's moderate realism, David Armstrong's combinatorialism and the linguistic theory. The book is accessible and engaging throughout and will be welcomed by students looking for a non-technical introduction to a much discussed and contested area of philosophical inquiry.