Abstract

This chapter offers an answer to the following questions: (1) how do we rationally discern the possible truth of some claim that is actually false, or the necessary truth of some claim that is actually true? and (2) what, ideally, is the overall structure of our modal beliefs, and how do they inferentially connect with other beliefs? It discusses a more recent attempt by Christopher Peacocke to provide the needed comprehensive perspective without relying upon the broadly Aristotelian view of the metaphysics of modality. It further argues that Peacocke's theory is fundamentally unsatisfactory, and develops some of the elements of a neo‐Aristotelian metaphysical view. Finally, the chapter suggests a more au currant view of the epistemology of our modal beliefs.