Quine on modal logic

Abstract

This thesis aims at examining and evaluating Quine’s objections to modal logic. In the history of the study of modality there has been an effort to offer a system that is capable of putting the subject in question out formally; however, the most accepted one today is the possible worlds semantics created by Kripke. Hence, the investigation will begin with a short introduction to modal logic in order to continue with a powerful tool at hand. The next step will be an examination of Quine’s objections from his articles, starting with his 1943 article and ending with 1971. After presenting the objections, I will give the accounts of the philosophers who have responded to his objections. And after each objection and response, I discussed whether Quine’s points still have a philosophical weight.