The Merriam-Webster online dictionary has this to say for the word, possible: "pos-si-ble adj \ pa-s -b l\ Definition of POSSIBLE 1 a: being within the limits of ability, capacity, or realization b: being what may be conceived, be done, or occur according to nature, custom, or manners" In metaphysics and logic, a possibility might comprise a world simply because it is limited as something, anything, the result of adding or deleting something from the actual world. If we imagine a world minus the rules of deductive logical inference, that would still be a possible world according to the usual criteria allowing for same.The interesting results force one to consider, along with the author, the following questions (among others):
- What is the real difference between possibility and actuality?
- Why do 'possible worlds' seem real or actual? Is it because without a world of all possibility an actual world could or would not exist (be possible)?
- Is there such a thing as a World of All Possible Worlds? And what is it like?
JAMES BARLOW is sometime Associate Professor of Philosophy for St. Andrew's College and Seminary in Lexington, North Carolina, and has taught Literature and Mathematics in Canada, Alaska, and the Philippines. His other philosophical book, "God and Eternity: A Reconsideration of the Thought of Eternal Return," is available from Dogear as well. He is currently Dean of the Cathedral of St. Andrew for the Diocese of Caledonia in the Anglican Church of Canada, and holds an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Frontier University.