Counterfactuals without a referent.

Shawn January 08, 2019 at 18:36 1000 views 2 comments

Could a counterfactual exist without a referent?

This is an extension of the thought brought up in the Naming and Necessity thread, where Kripke outright states that he won't address the issue of empty names in his book.

Comments (2)

Michael January 08, 2019 at 18:41 #244285 0 likes

You mean something like "If I had a daughter then she'd be..."?

Shawn January 08, 2019 at 18:45 #244288 0 likes

Quoting Michael

You mean something like "If I had a daughter then she'd be..."?

More like, "If Santa Claus existed then..."

Or more instantiating:

You, could have a daughter, either through biological means or adoption; but, Santa Claus just doesn't obtain in our world, or any for the matter.