What is the Difference Between Logical Possibility and Metaphysical Possibility?

Logical possibility and metaphysical possibility are two distinct concepts in the field of modal logic. They differ in terms of their relationship with logical constraints and the nature of the objects or properties being considered. Here are the main differences between the two:

• Logical Possibility: This refers to the conception in a human mind of something that does not imply a contradiction. A statement is considered logically possible if there are no contradicting words or phrases in it. Logical possibility is based on the structure of the sentence and the absence of contradictions, regardless of the nature of the objects or properties being considered.
• Metaphysical Possibility: This is a more intrinsic principle that exists outside of our minds, making some activity possible. Metaphysical possibility is a subset of logical possibilities, as it includes the logical constraints and some additional constraints related to the nature of the objects or properties being considered. Metaphysical possibility is about examining the possibility of something in some possible world, considering the nature of the described thing and its being or existing.

In summary, logical possibility focuses on the structure and coherence of a statement, while metaphysical possibility goes beyond logical coherence to consider the nature of the objects or properties being discussed and their relationship to our world or other possible worlds. Some claims may be logically possible but not metaphysically possible due to the additional constraints imposed by the nature of the objects or properties involved.

Comparative Table: Logical Possibility vs Metaphysical Possibility

Here is a table comparing the differences between logical possibility and metaphysical possibility:

In summary, logical possibility deals with statements that are free from contradictions in their structure and words, while metaphysical possibility deals with abstract concepts and philosophical assumptions that may contain contradictions. Logical possibility is a subset of metaphysical possibility, meaning everything that is metaphysically possible is also logically possible, but not vice versa.