Modal Realism in Literature & Literary Theory

Modal Realism: Etymology/Term, Meanings and Concept

Etymology and Term:

Modal realism is a philosophical concept that emerged in the mid-20th century, primarily associated with the work of philosopher David Lewis. The term “modal” refers to modes of existence or possibility, and “realism” denotes the belief in the objective existence of entities. In the context of modal realism, it pertains to the objective reality of possible worlds.

Meanings and Concepts:

1. Possible Worlds:
   • It posits the existence of a plurality of possible worlds, each representing a complete and internally consistent way the world could be. These possible worlds are not mere abstractions but are considered as concrete and independent realities.
2. Concrete Possibilities:
   • Contrary to more conventional views where possibilities are seen as abstract or hypothetical, it asserts that possible worlds are as real as our own. These worlds encompass all conceivable ways the world could have been, providing a comprehensive framework for understanding modality.
3. Actualism and Possibilism:
   • It distinguishes between actualism and possibilism. Actualism holds that the only possible world that exists is the actual world we inhabit, while possibilism asserts the existence of multiple possible worlds alongside the actual world.
4. Transworld Identity:
   • Lewis introduced the concept of transworld identity, suggesting that individuals and objects can exist in multiple possible worlds with the same identity. This challenges the notion of identity being strictly tied to a specific world.
5. Counterfactuals and Necessity:
   • Modal realism provides a robust framework for understanding counterfactuals (what might have been) and necessity (what must be). Possible worlds offer a conceptual space to explore the implications of different circumstances and the necessity of certain truths across all possible worlds.
6. Critiques and Alternatives:
   • While it has garnered attention and sparked significant philosophical discussions, it is not without criticism. Some philosophers propose alternative theories, such as ersatz modal realism, to address perceived challenges, emphasizing abstract or non-concrete possible worlds. Critics also question the ontological commitment and simplicity of Lewis’s modal realism.

Modal Realism: Definition of a Theoretical Term

Modal realism is a philosophical concept positing the objective existence of multiple possible worlds, each representing a complete and internally consistent way the world could be. Coined by philosopher David Lewis, it asserts that these possible worlds are not mere abstractions but concrete and independent realities. Modal realism challenges conventional views by treating possibilities as concrete entities alongside our actual world.

Modal Realism: Theorists, Works and Argument

Theorist	Key Works	Central Argument
David Lewis	Modal Realism: How to Say “Possibly”	Lewis argues for the objective reality of possible worlds, contending that they are as real as our own world and provide a comprehensive framework for understanding modality.
	On the Plurality of Worlds	In this seminal work, Lewis develops modal realism, introducing the concept of concrete possible worlds and addressing issues of transworld identity and necessity.
	Counterfactuals	Lewis explores the role of possible worlds in understanding counterfactual statements, contributing to the broader implications of modal realism in the context of necessity and possibility.

This realism, as expounded by David Lewis in his works Modal Realism: How to Say “Possibly” and On the Plurality of Worlds, asserts the objective existence of possible worlds. Lewis’s central argument revolves around treating these worlds as concrete entities, challenging traditional views and offering a comprehensive framework for understanding modality. His exploration of counterfactuals in Counterfactuals further contributes to the implications of modal realism in terms of necessity and possibility.

Modal Realism: Major Characteristics

1. Objective Existence of Possible Worlds:
   • It asserts that possible worlds are objectively real, each representing a distinct and complete way the world could be.
2. Concrete and Independent Realities:
   • Possible worlds in modal realism are not abstract or hypothetical; they are considered concrete and independent entities with their own existence.
3. Transworld Identity:
   • Individuals and objects can exist in multiple possible worlds while maintaining the same identity, challenging the conventional view of identity tied to a specific world.
4. Actualism and Possibilism:
   • It distinguishes between actualism (only the actual world exists) and possibilism (multiple possible worlds exist alongside the actual world).
5. Comprehensive Framework for Modality:
   • It provides a comprehensive framework for understanding modality, encompassing necessity, possibility, and counterfactual reasoning.

Literary Examples:

1. Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland:
   • In Carroll’s fantastical world, Alice encounters a myriad of peculiar and whimsical situations. It could interpret these adventures as instances of Alice navigating different possible worlds, each with its unique set of circumstances.
2. J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings:
   • Tolkien’s Middle-earth is a richly detailed fantasy world with diverse cultures and histories. It could view Middle-earth as a concrete possible world, suggesting that the events in the story represent one actualized narrative among many possible ones.
3. Philip K. Dick’s The Man in the High Castle:
   • In Dick’s alternate history novel, the Axis powers won World War II, resulting in a different geopolitical landscape. It might interpret this narrative as exploring a possible world where historical events unfolded differently, highlighting the consequences of such alternate scenarios.

Modal Realism: Relevance in Literary Theories

Literary Theories	Relevance to Modal Realism
Narratology	Modal realism provides a unique lens for analyzing narrative possibilities, allowing theorists to explore how different possible worlds contribute to the narrative structure.
Reader-Response Theory	Engaging with possible worlds in literature aligns with the reader’s interpretive role. Modal realism allows for a nuanced examination of how readers navigate and interpret diverse narrative scenarios.
Postmodernism	Modal realism resonates with postmodern literary tendencies by embracing multiple, coexisting realities. It aligns with the exploration of fragmented narratives and the rejection of a singular, stable reality.
Science Fiction Studies	In science fiction literature, modal realism becomes especially relevant as it enables the analysis of alternate realities, parallel universes, and the consequences of divergent historical trajectories.
Speculative Fiction	It offers a conceptual framework for understanding speculative fiction, where authors create intricate worlds with distinct rules and possibilities, encouraging exploration beyond the actual world.

Modal realism finds relevance in various literary theories, enhancing the understanding of narrative structures, reader interpretation, postmodern aesthetics, science fiction, and speculative fiction. Its ability to accommodate diverse possible worlds enriches analyses within these theoretical frameworks.

Modal Realism: Application in Critiques

1. Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace:
   • It can be applied to critique the intricate narrative structure of Infinite Jest, exploring the potential existence of various narrative threads and divergent storylines as concrete possible worlds. This analysis could delve into how the novel’s complex plot intersects with and diverges from different possible scenarios, enriching the understanding of its multilayered narrative.
2. The Road by Cormac McCarthy:
   • Examining The Road through the lens of it allows for an exploration of the bleak post-apocalyptic world presented in the novel. Critics can assess how the desolate landscape and the characters’ experiences represent one actualized version of a possible world, considering alternative scenarios and their implications for the story’s themes and meaning.
3. Blindness by José Saramago:
   • It can be utilized to critique the allegorical elements in Blindness by analyzing the possible worlds that emerge as characters navigate a world plunged into sudden blindness. Critics can explore how different societal structures and moral choices manifest in various possible worlds, providing insights into the novel’s commentary on human nature and society.
4. Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell:
   • Critiquing Cloud Atlas using it involves examining the interconnected narratives and exploring how each story represents a possible world with distinct events and consequences. Critics can assess the novel’s exploration of transworld identity and the ways in which characters and themes resonate across different possible worlds, contributing to the overall literary experience.

Modal Realism: Relevant Terms

Term	Description
Possible Worlds	Concrete realities representing different ways the world could be.
Transworld Identity	The idea that entities can exist in multiple possible worlds with the same identity.
Actualism	Belief that only the actual world exists, rejecting the existence of possible worlds.
Possibilism	Recognition of multiple possible worlds alongside the actual world.
Necessity	Truths that hold in all possible worlds.
Counterfactuals	Statements about what might be true in different circumstances or possible worlds.
Ersatz Modal Realism	Variant proposing abstract possible worlds.
Modality	Study of necessity, possibility, and related concepts.
Modal Realism	Asserts the objective existence of possible worlds.
Multiverse	Concept involving multiple coexisting universes or realities.

Modal Realism: Suggested Readings

1. Lewis, David. Counterfactuals. Harvard University Press, 1973.
2. Lewis, David. Modal Realism: How to Say “Possibly”. Open Court, 1986.
3. Lewis, David. On the Plurality of Worlds. Blackwell, 1986.
4. Van Inwagen, Peter. Material Beings. Cornell University Press, 1990.
5. Sider, Theodore. Four-Dimensionalism: An Ontology of Persistence and Time. Oxford University Press, 2001.
6. William, Timothy. The Philosophy of Philosophy. Wiley-Blackwell, 2007.
7. Sider, Theodore. Writing the Book of the World. Oxford University Press, 2011.
8. Yagisawa, Takashi. World and Individuals, Possible and Otherwise. Oxford University Press, 2010.
9. Williamson, Timothy. Modal Logic as Metaphysics. Oxford University Press, 2013.
10. Williamson, Timothy. Metaphysics. Westview Press, 2015.