Propositional Modal Logic

Abstract

For analytic philosophy, formalization is a fundamental tool for clarifying language, leading to better understanding of thoughts expressed through language. Formalization involves abstraction and idealization. This is true in the sciences as well as in philosophy. Consider physics as a representative example. Newton’s laws of motion formalize certain basic aspects of the physical universe. Mathematical abstractions are introduced that strip away irrelevant details of the real universe, but which lead to a better understanding of its “deep” structure. Later Einstein and others proposed better models than that of Newton, reflecting deeper understanding made possible by the experience gained through years of working with Newton’s model.