The Moodless Theory of Modality: An Introduction and Defence

This paper proposes a new reductive theory of modality, called the moodless theory of modality. This theory, and not modal realism, is the closest modal analogue of the tenseless theory of time. So, if the tenseless theory is true, and the temporality-modality analogy is good, it is the moodless theory that follows. I also argue that the moodless theory, considered on its own, is better than modal realism: arguments often thought to be decisive against modal realism are weak against it.

Automated summary

This paper introduces a new reductive theory of modality, proposing that the moodless theory is closer to the tenseless theory of time than modal realism. It argues that the moodless theory is superior to modal realism, as arguments against the latter are weaker when applied to the former.