Metaphysics of Modality: Possibility and Necessity, Introduction Part 1

I introduce the topic of the metaphysics of modality, in particular metaphysical necessity. After a brief introduction of the general meaning of necessity and possibility, I explain some concerns that some raised against the legitimacy of these distinctions, and clarify what metaphysical necessity is, providing examples and contrasting it with other concepts. See Part 2 at • Metaphysics of Modalit...
By Dr. Gordon Pettit; see more at gordonpettit.org

[@williamjason1583]

I enjoyed this, better still, understood it.

[@MrMuse777]

Thank you for your work sir!

[@KudaIzka]

In 9:33 Pettit says: "Pettit never jumped over the backboard is causally necessary". Could someone explain to me why that statement is causally necessary? It is not clear to me his example.

[@Doodoomonger]

As far as I understand it, it is causally necessary within the actual world. In the actual world have observed the effects of him not jumping over the blackboard. That doesnt mean there isn't a possible world in which he could have jumped over it. It isn't necessary by the laws of the universe for him to have not done that.