Lecture notes
Metaphysics lecture notes - Plurality of worlds (2)
- Module
- Metaphysics
- Institution
- Durham University (DUT)
Lecture notes for third-year metaphysics module
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VII. The plurality of worlds: applicationsVII.a. Properties object similar to second (regularity
theory) ; 2) if ≠ first object ≠ second
- Properties = classes of possibilia =
classes of all possible worlds object (counterfactual analysis)
- Counterfactual theory intuitive: intuitive
- Nominalistic theory of properties: ≠
universals only Hume-worlds with conception of causes as difference-
makers (i.e., different outcome in absence
particular contents
of occurrence of cause)
- Causation entailed by counterfactual
1) Problem of uninstantiated properties
dependence between events
- Some properties ≠ instantiated in own
o Lewisian counterfactual 'A ® C' true
world (i.e., property of being talking
donkey) if & only if A & C true in
- Problem: nominalist allowing property ≠ actual/closest world where A & C
included in class of object only in own both true + if A & C = wholly distinct
world events & 'A ® C' => A causing C
- Response: property included in class of - One event causing other when causal
possibilia in all other worlds including chain leading from first event to second
worlds with said property o Chain consisting in individual events
where one counterfactually
2) Coextensive classes dependent on other
- Own world: class of renate & cordate
things = coextensive (= identity of classes 1) Problem from small miracles
determined by membership) - Counterfactuals ≠ backtracking
- Other worlds: some renate things ≠ different present, same past having
cordate & some cordate things ≠ renate different outcomes
separate properties - Counterfactual alternatives needing to
- Problem coextensive properties (i.e., break actual laws to point of diverging
being trilateral & being triangular) from reality
question single/separate properties - Main Lewisian device requiring
occurrence of small miracle for each
3) Problem from naturalism counterfactual holding
- Only certain classes of worlds (= natural)
= natural properties when unnatural 2) Problem from redundancy,
classes of worlds ≠ forming natural overdetermination & pre-emption
properties (i.e., being red & being non-red) - Problem: effect having two causes each
- Naturalism = unproven primitive of theory sufficient individually for producing effect
(i.e., firing squad) effect
4) Problem from direction counterfactually dependent on neither
- Euthyphro question: something = property - Response: causal chain with at least two
in virtue of belonging to single class ; links connecting effect with genuine cause
things belonging to single class by virtue - Problem: simultaneous equally causally
of having same property sufficient events immediately preceding
effect unresolved problem of
VII.b. Causation symmetrical cases of redundancy
- Two-part Humean definition of causation: - Epiphenomena: c causing f &
1) all objects similar to first followed by epiphenomenal e (i.e., falling pressure
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