Description
Book SynopsisThis is a reissue of a book which is an exploration and defence of the notion of modality ''de re'', the idea that objects have both essential and accidental properties. It is one of the first full-length studies of the modalities to emerge from the debate to which Saul Kripke, David Lewis, Ruth Marcus and others have contributed.The argument is developed by means of the notion of possible worlds, and ranges over key problems including the nature of essence, trans-world identity, negative existential propositions, and the existence of unactual objects in other possible worlds. In the final chapters Professor Plantinga applies his logical theories to the clarification of two problems in the philosophy of religion - the Problem of Evil and the Ontological Argument.
Trade ReviewInteresting and original. * Times Higher Education Supplement *
Table of ContentsPreliminary distinctions and remarks; Modality de re: Objections; Modality de re: Explanations; Worlds, books, and essential properties; The necessity of natures; Transworld identity or worldbound individuals?; Possible but unactual objects: The classical argument; Possible but unactual objects: On what there isn't; God, Evil, and the metaphysics of freedom; God and necessity
