Routledge Modality (Central Problems of Philosophy)

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. Review "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." - Mind About the Author Joseph Melia is Lecturer in Philosophy at the University of Leeds.