LessonsModal Propositions: The Eight Simple ModalitiesQuiz

For the first four modalities, ask how long the judgment applies and with what force.

1. Unrestricted necessary: necessity while the subject exists.
2. Unrestricted permanent: permanence while the subject exists.
3. Generally conditional: necessity while the titular description holds.
4. Generally customary: permanence while the titular description holds.

Two axes therefore combine:
Existence of the subject / retention of its descriptive title.
Necessity / permanence.

Attending only to duration, or only to the words “necessary” and “permanent,” can lead to confusing these forms.

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The first four: scope and force

Modal Propositions: The Eight Simple Modalities

For the first four modalities, ask how long the judgment applies and with what force.

1. Unrestricted necessary: necessity while the subject exists.
2. Unrestricted permanent: permanence while the subject exists.
3. Generally conditional: necessity while the titular description holds.
4. Generally customary: permanence while the titular description holds.

Two axes therefore combine:
Existence of the subject / retention of its descriptive title.
Necessity / permanence.

Attending only to duration, or only to the words “necessary” and “permanent,” can lead to confusing these forms.