This introduction to modality places the emphasis on the metaphysics of modality rather than on the formal semetics of quantified modal logic. The text begins by introducing students to the "de re/de dicto" distinction, conventionalist and conceptualist theories of modality and some of the key problems in modality, particularly Quine's criticisms. It then moves on to explain how possible worlds provide a solution to many of the problems in modality and how possible worlds themselves have been used to analyse notions outside modality such as properties and propositions. Possible worlds introduce problems of their own and the book argues that to make progress with these problems a theory of possible worlds is required. The pros and cons of various theories of possible worlds are then examined in turn, including those of Lewis, Kripke, Adams, Stalnaker and Plantinga.
Het is een filosofische introductie tot de metafysica van modaliteit (mogelijkheid en noodzaak). In plaats van zich te richten op de technische details van modale logica, onderzoekt Melia de diepere metafysische theorieën.

Inhoud: Het boek behandelt belangrijke denkers en thema's zoals:
- De theorie van mogelijke werelden (Lewis, Kripke).
- Modale taal en logica.
-Scepsis van Quine over modale concepten.
- Verschillende vormen van realisme (extreem, gematigd en "quiet" realisme).