Talk: Metaphysical modality as a natural kind

30.10.2025, 16:45 - 18:15, Seminarraum 1 (Hauptgebäude, Tiefparterre Stiege 9 Hof 3)

 

Barbara Vetter

 

DO 30.10.2025    16.45-18.15    Seminarraum 1  Hauptgebäude,

Tiefparterre Stiege 9 Hof 3

 

Title: Metaphysical modality as a natural kind

 

Abstract: What is metaphysical modality? Philosophers disagree deeply about both the nature and the extent of metaphysical modality. How can we, in the presence of such wide-spread disagreement, get a common grip on what it is that we are disagreeing about? I propose an answer to this question that takes „metaphysical modality" to function much like a Kripkean natural kind term, and argue that it best regiments our debate about metaphysical modality. This can be seen as a case study of how to deal with similar disagreements elsewhere in philosophy. I close with some reflections on how widely applicable my approach is beyond the case of metaphysical modality.