The things that aren’t actually there

Philosophical Studies 152 (2):155-166 (2011)
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Abstract

The standard Kripkean semantic theories for quantified modal logic allow the individuals that exist at other worlds to vary from those that exist at the actual world. This causes a problem for those who deny the existence of non-actual individuals. I focus on two prominent strategies for solving this problem, due respectively to Bernard Linsky and Edward Zalta (who identify the possible individuals with the actual individuals) and Alvin Plantinga (who identifies the possible individuals with the individual essences). I argue, contra various commentators, that both of these solutions are acceptable by the lights of those who deny the existence of mere possibilia

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Richard Woodward
Humboldt University, Berlin

Citations of this work

Immanence in Abundance.Chad Carmichael - 2022 - Erkenntnis 89 (4):1535-1553.
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References found in this work

On the Plurality of Worlds.David K. Lewis - 1986 - Malden, Mass.: Wiley-Blackwell.
New work for a theory of universals.David K. Lewis - 1983 - Australasian Journal of Philosophy 61 (4):343-377.
The Nature of Necessity.Alvin Plantinga - 1974 - Oxford, England: Clarendon Press.
Saving truth from paradox.Hartry Field - 2008 - New York: Oxford University Press.

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