LessonsThe Seven Compound Modalities and the Negations of Permanence and NecessityQuiz

Do not classify a compound mode from its name or last phrase alone. Use four checks.

1. Does the first component affirm or negate the predicate? This determines the positive/negative designation.
2. Is its primary mode necessity, descriptive continuity, actuality or temporal necessity?
3. Is the limiting condition a descriptive title, an appointed time or an unspecified time?
4. Does the second component deny permanence, necessity or necessity on both opposing sides?

For example, “actually, but not necessarily” combines actuality with denied necessity and is therefore existential non-necessary.

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A reliable classification procedure

The Seven Compound Modalities and the Negations of Permanence and Necessity

Do not classify a compound mode from its name or last phrase alone. Use four checks.

1. Does the first component affirm or negate the predicate? This determines the positive/negative designation.
2. Is its primary mode necessity, descriptive continuity, actuality or temporal necessity?
3. Is the limiting condition a descriptive title, an appointed time or an unspecified time?
4. Does the second component deny permanence, necessity or necessity on both opposing sides?

For example, “actually, but not necessarily” combines actuality with denied necessity and is therefore existential non-necessary.