<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p>This paper explores a new non-deflationary approach to the puzzle of nonexistence and its cousins. On this approach, we can, under a plausible assumption, express true <italic>de re</italic> propositions about certain objects that don’t exist, exist indeterminately or exist merely possibly. The defense involves two steps: First, to argue that if we can actually designate what individuates a nonexistent target object with respect to possible worlds in which that object <italic>does</italic> exist, then we can express a <italic>de re</italic> proposition about “it”. Second, to adapt the concept of <italic>outer truth</italic> with respect to a possible world – a concept familiar from actualist modal semantics – for use in representing the <italic>actual</italic> world.</p></abstract>

This paper explores a new non-deflationary approach to the puzzle of nonexistence and its cousins. On this approach, we can, under a plausible assumption, express true de re propositions about certain objects that don’t exist, exist indeterminately or exist merely possibly. The defense involves two steps: First, to argue that if we can actually designate what individuates a nonexistent target object with respect to possible worlds in which that object does exist, then we can express a de re proposition about “it”. Second, to adapt the concept of outer truth with respect to a possible world – a concept familiar from actualist modal semantics – for use in representing the actual world.

Nonexistence, Vague Existence, Merely Possible Existence

Disputatio

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

{"article-title":"Nonexistence, Vague Existence, Merely Possible Existence"}

This paper explores a new non-deflationary approach to the puzzle of nonexistence and its cousins. On this approach, we can, under a plausible assumption,...

Nonexistence, Vague Existence, Merely Possible Existence

Published Online: Dec 31, 2018

Page range: 427 - 443

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/disp-2012-0009

© 2012 Iris Einheuser, published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.