Metaphysical Nihilism and Modal Logic

Philosophical Studies 179 (9):2751-2763 (2022)
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Abstract

In this paper I argue, that if it is metaphysically possible for it to have been the case that nothing existed, then it follows that the right modal logic cannot extend D, ruling out popular modal logics S4 and S5. I provisionally defend the claim that it is possible for nothing to have existed. I then consider the various ways of resisting the conclusion that the right modal logic is weaker than D.

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References found in this work

Modal Logic as Metaphysics.Timothy Williamson - 2013 - Oxford, England: Oxford University Press.
The Nature of Necessity.Alvin Plantinga - 1974 - Oxford, England: Clarendon Press.
The logical basis of metaphysics.Michael Dummett - 1991 - Cambridge: Harvard University Press.
Naming and Necessity.Saul Kripke - 1980 - Philosophy 56 (217):431-433.
Aboutness.Stephen Yablo - 2014 - Oxford: Princeton University Press.

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