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Freethought & Rationalism ArchiveThe archives are read only. |
06-30-2003, 01:02 PM
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#1 |
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Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: md
Posts: 58
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Two Dimensional Framework and Metaphysics
Could someone please explain to me the use of the Two Dimensional Framework when applied to Metaphysics. It seems completely arbitrary to me that secondary intensions should determine what is metaphysically possible.
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06-30-2003, 03:24 PM
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#2 |
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Junior Member
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Location: md
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In asking this question I assume that most people here have a familiarity with the Two Dimensional Framework. If that is not the case then tell me and I'll be more than happy to explain it.
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06-30-2003, 04:21 PM
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#3 |
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Junior Member
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I'd be interested in hearing what it is.
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06-30-2003, 05:06 PM
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#4 |
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Junior Member
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The Two Dimensional Framework is based upon the idea that there are two different ways that the extension (referent) of an expression is dependent on possible states of the world. There is the the actual extension and the counterfactual extension. Expressions also have two different intensions (functions from possibilities to extensions) . In the two dimensional framework there are also two different types of intensions, a primary and a secondary intension. The primary intension of a concept picks out the extension of that concept in a possible world considered as actual. The secondary intension picks out the extension of a concept in a counterfactual world, in other words it picks out the extension of a concept in a possible world given that the actual world is the one we are in. The secondary intension of a concept is dependent on how the actual world turns out.
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