Brain in a Vat The Possible Worlds of David Lewis | Barry Lam
Nov 28, 2021
Barry Lam, a philosopher and host of the Hi-Phi Nation podcast, delves into the fascinating philosophy of David Lewis and his concept of possible worlds. Lam explores intriguing thought experiments, like identical twins living different lives, and discusses how these worlds illuminate questions about identity, metaphysics, and free will. He argues that Lewis's modal realism offers a unique lens to understand time travel and the nature of reality. With humor and insight, Lam reveals why Lewis loved thought experiments, emphasizing their significance in philosophical discourse.
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Twin Thought Experiment
- Barry Lam opens with a thought experiment about the possibility of being an identical twin in another possible world.
- He uses twin examples to introduce questions about which counterpart would be 'you' across possible worlds.
Possible Worlds As Factual Realms
- David Lewis treats possible worlds as factual, not merely fictional, because some possibility-questions feel like they have correct answers.
- That factualness motivates Lewis's modal realism: other possible worlds exist and contain discoverable facts.
Modal Terms Defined
- Lewis defines necessity as truth in all possible worlds and possibility as truth in some possible world.
- These technical definitions aim to capture everyday modal talk about what can or must be true.
