Real impossible worlds : the bounds of possibility (original) (raw)

My gratitude goes, first and foremost, to my supervisors Katherine Hawley and Graham Priest, for their seemingly infinite patience, unfailing support and intellectual inspiration over the years, and for going far beyond the call of duty to help me complete this study. I thank them for believing in me when I did not, for beckoning my thought to distant shores, and for inspiring me as shining examples of everything that is of value in the profession. Much that is of value in this dissertation, I owe to them. I have also had the great pleasure of working with Stephen Read during the final years of my research, and I am very grateful for the interest he has shown in my work, for his painstakingly questioning of my ideas, and for always providing me with a fresh perspective. My work was much improved as a direct result of my interactions with him. During the decisive first year of my research, I was, moreover, lucky enough to work under the supervision of Daniel Nolan, who inspired me and led me through some of the bewildering topics, for which I am very grateful. My thanks also go to Patrick Greenough, who also stimulated my thoughts and defiantly encouraged their pursuit during that first decisive year. I am also grateful to Crispin Wright for giving me the opportunity, in 2005, to carry out my doctoral research within the rich philosophical environment that is the