Models and modality

Patricia Blanchette

pp. 45-72

in: Synthese 124 (1), 2000.

Abstract

This paper examines the connection between model-theoretic truth and necessary truth. It is argued that though the model-theoretic truths of some standard languages are demonstrably ''necessary'' (in a precise sense), the widespread view of model-theoretic truth as providing a general guarantee of necessity is mistaken. Several arguments to the contrary are criticized.