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What does nihilism tell us about modal logic?

Authors :
Masterman, Christopher James
Source :
Philosophical Studies. Aug2024, Vol. 181 Issue 8, p1851-1875. 25p.
Publication Year :
2024

Abstract

Brauer (Philos Stud 179:2751–2763, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11098-022-01793-7, 2022) has recently argued that if it is possible that there is nothing, then the correct modal logic for metaphysical modality cannot include D. Here, I argue that Brauer's argument is unsuccessful; or at the very least significantly weaker than presented. First, I outline a simple argument for why it is not possible that there is nothing. I note that this argument has a well-known solution involving the distinction between truth in and truth at a possible world. However, I then argue that once the semantics presupposed by Brauer's argument is reformulated in terms of truth at a world, we have good reasons to think that a crucial semantic premise in Brauer's argument should be rejected in favour of an alternative. Brauer's argument is, however, no longer valid with this alternative premise. Thus, plausibly Brauer's argument against D is only valid, if it is not sound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
00318116
Volume :
181
Issue :
8
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Philosophical Studies
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
178777746
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11098-024-02166-y