Barcan Formulas and the Limits of Contingency
Adam Russell Murray (University of Manitoba)

18 March 2022, 16:00 (Lisbon Time – GMT) | Sala Mattos Romão (Departamento de Filosofia)

Abstract: Our simplest and best understood theory of first-order metaphysical modality represents individual existence and non-existence as strictly non-contingent. However, these necessitist implications of the simple theory appear to be undermined by robust intuition to the effect that existence and non-existence are largely contingent matters. In this talk, I show how resources familiar from two-dimensional semantics support a novel interpretation of the necessitist’s theoretical commitments. In contrast with existing positions in these debates, the necessitist theory I develop preserves both the simple theory and a non-revisionist metaphysics of individuals, while also explaining much of the intuitive allure of the alternative, contingentist picture.

The room has a limited number of seats. Pre-registration is required at <[email protected]> until a day before the event. Note that this is an in-person event and everyone should wear a mask.