This paper contrasts two metaphysical accounts of modality and properties: Modal Realism which treats possible entities as primitive; and Strong Dispositionalism in which metaphysical possibility and necessity are determined by actually existing dispositions or powers. I argue that Strong Dispositionalism loses its initial advantages of simplicity and parsimony over Modal Realism as it is exten...

The many-worlds and many-minds formulations of quantum mechanics are reconstructions of Hugh Everett ill's (19578, 1957b, 1973) relative-state fonnulation of quantum mechanics. Each is presented as a proposal for solving the quantum measurement problem. Much of the philosophical interest in these theories derives from the metaphysical commitments they suggest. They illustrate the roles played b...

In Yoruba traditional thought, human destiny has a mysterious power that controls events. It is believed every person their life history before coming to the world. This implies anything one does not something done out of free will in fulfillment preordained or sequence However, such controversial understanding meaning, nature, relevance and reality concept (ayanmo), which long elicited philoso...

These three commentaries challenge me to confront some new issues as well as to clarify some main points. I want to thank James Ladyman, Peter Lipton, and Paul Teller especially for leavening their critique with so much constructive exploration of how one might go about meeting those challenges. Before replying directly I want to touch on something that has also come up elsewhere. Several revie...

This paper discusses the late Michael Dummett’s characterization of the estrangement between physics and philosophy. It argues against those physicists who hold that modern physics, rather than philosophy, can answer traditional metaphysical questions such as why there is something rather than nothing. The claim is that physics cannot solve metaphysical problems since metaphysical issues are in...

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