Possible and the Actual: Gays and Lesbians in Politics

The Possible and the Actual is one of the best, if not the best, readers in the metaphysical of modality. It is comprised of 15 different essays (12 of which have been previously published). The 15 essays focus around two "themes": the nature/status of possible worlds and the problem of transworld identity. The essays, except for the introduction, are organized chronologically, tracing these themes as they emerged. Consequently, reading straight through this analogy will give the reader a clear sense of how the various views were developed, changed, and challenged. All of the essays are well chosen, and many are already well-known and important. It also includes a lengthy bibliography. Overall, this is a great analogy. One noteworthy feature of this analogy is Loux's introduction. Loux's 50 page introduction provides a clear and substantial introduction to modal concepts, while also relating them to the essays. The only qualm I have is the noticeable lack of any essays by Kripke (due to problems regarding permission). But this does not substantially mar the book. Some will already have many of these essays; and the utility of this volume will consist in possessing them all together along with the introductory essay. For those who have a passing knowledge of the metaphysics of modality, or would like a more substantial treatment of it, The Possible and the Actual will be well worth the read.