Abstract

Deontic modals are a form of normative language. They can be used to express facts about deontic modality: to talk, not about what is actually the case, but instead about what would be the case if the world accorded with some normative or evaluative standard. Various standards might be relevant, for example, moral norms, requirements for achieving one’s own private goals, standards for complying with the mandates of good sportsmanship, or rules governing membership of JC’s secret club.