- Plantinga introduces an account of de re modality that makes use of possible worlds. Quine
wants to reject de re modality, on the grounds that all modality must be de dicto and derive
from our descriptions of things rather than from the things themselves. Who is right? Why? I
recommend that you make your claims specific by illustrating them with a concrete example.
Also, keep in mind how your opponent would be likely to respond. - Present and evaluate Plantinga’s argument for the claim that human persons are not
essentially embodied. Do you accept his claim? If not, why not? If so, what is the strongest
objection one might raise against it and how would you reply? - Compare and contrast Quine’s and Plantinga’s theories of proper names. Which one is
superior? Why? I recommend that you make your claims specific by illustrating them with a
concrete example. Also, keep in mind how your opponent would be likely to respond. - Is the claim “Hesperus is identical to Phosphorus” a contingent or a necessary truth? Defend
your answer, keeping in mind the most likely (and most powerful) objection that an opponent
would raise. (Feel free to compare the status of this claim to that of the claim “George
Washington is the first US President”.)
Sample Solution