Overview

Modal logic, developed as an extension of classical propositional logic and first-order quantification theory, integrates the notions of possibility and necessity and necessary implication. Arguments whose understanding depends on some fundamental knowledge of modal logic have always been important in philosophy of religion, metaphysics, and epistemology. Moreover, modal logic has become increasingly important with the use of the concept of ""possible worlds"" in these areas. Introductory Modal Logic fills the need for a basic text on modal logic, accessible to students of elementary symbolic logic. Kenneth Konyndyk presents a natural deduction treatment of propositional modal logic and quantified modal logic, historical information about its development, and discussions of the philosophical issues raised by modal logic. Characterized by clear and concrete explanations, appropriate examples, and varied and challenging exercises, Introductory Modal Logic makes both modal logic and the possible-worlds metaphysics readily available to the introductory level student.

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9780268024079

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Reviews

Although Konyndyk's format is that of a textbook with exercises and the book presupposes a minimal knowledge of sentential and first-order quantification logic, it is an excellent introduction to modal logic for the general reader....The discussion is always clear and as simple as one could ask. --Religious Studies Review Although Konyndyk's format is that of a textbook with exercises and the book presupposes a minimal knowledge of sentential and first-order quantification logic, it is an excellent introduction to modal logic for the general reader. . . . The discussion is always clear and as simple as one could ask. --Religious Studies Review Kenneth Konyndyk's Introductory Modal Logic is a fine combinaton of accessibility and logical rigor. What is really impressive about it, however, is the splendid way it combines these two with determined attention to the achievement of philosophical understanding. Konyndyk constantly points out the questions and concerns that give philosophical interest to the logical topics he takes up; he motivates the logical developments by way of these philosophical concerns. A first rate text. --Alvin Plantinga

Although Konyndyk's format is that of a textbook with exercises and the book presupposes a minimal knowledge of sentential and first-order quantification logic, it is an excellent introduction to modal logic for the general reader. . . . The discussion is always clear and as simple as one could ask. --Religious Studies Review Kenneth Konyndyk's Introductory Modal Logic is a fine combinaton of accessibility and logical rigor. What is really impressive about it, however, is the splendid way it combines these two with determined attention to the achievement of philosophical understanding. Konyndyk constantly points out the questions and concerns that give philosophical interest to the logical topics he takes up; he motivates the logical developments by way of these philosophical concerns. A first rate text. --Alvin Plantinga

Author Information

Kenneth J. Konyndyk, Jr. (1942–1995) taught in the department of philosophy at Calvin College, Grand Rapids, Michigan.

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