
Modality
Joseph Melia(Author)
Acumen Publishing Ltd
1st Edition
Published on 6. November 2003
Book
Paperback/Softback
198 pages
978-1-902683-48-5 (ISBN)
Description
This introduction to modality places the emphasis on the metaphysics of modality rather than on the formal semetics of quantified modal logic. The text begins by introducing students to the "de re/de dicto" distinction, conventionalist and conceptualist theories of modality and some of the key problems in modality, particularly Quine's criticisms. It then moves on to explain how possible worlds provide a solution to many of the problems in modality and how possible worlds themselves have been used to analyse notions outside modality such as properties and propositions. Possible worlds introduce problems of their own and the book argues that to make progress with these problems a theory of possible worlds is required. The pros and cons of various theories of possible worlds are then examined in turn, including those of Lewis, Kripke, Adams, Stalnaker and Plantinga.
Reviews / Votes
"A marvellously presented book: it is lucid, thought-provoking, and meets the highest standards of argument." - Philosophical Quarterly "A must-read for anyone interested in the metaphysics of modality. It explores fundamental topics with depth and subtlety, yet it is, for the most part, easy to read. The style of presentation is informal, at times irreverent, and always engaging." - Philosophical Books "Melia succeeds in producing a book that manages to provide an accessible introduction to many key topics in the philosophy of modality; to give a sense of how different topics are connected to each other; and to offer some interesting new contributions to current debates." - MindMore details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Durham
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Target group
College/higher education
Dimensions
Height: 198 mm
Width: 129 mm
Weight
360 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-902683-48-5 (9781902683485)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Person
Joseph Melia is Lecturer in Philosophy at the University of Leeds.
Content
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


