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 Brauer’s argument is, however, no longer valid with this alternative premise.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.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1851-1875 |
| Number of pages | 25 |
| Journal | Philosophical Studies |
| Volume | 181 |
| Early online date | 21 Jun 2024 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Aug 2024 |
Keywords
- Nihilism
- Modal logic
- Possible worlds
- Truth at a world
- Propositions