Full Idea
Traditional metaphysics is inclined to view processes (such as a rod's snapping under a strain) as the manifestation of dispositions (fragility) which are themselves rooted in the stable properties of things.
Gist of Idea
The orthodox view sees processes as the manifestations of stable dispositions of things
Source
Nicholas Rescher (Process Metaphysics [1996], 2.5)
A Reaction
My preferred approach is to subsume an account of processes within an ontology of primitive powers. Dispositions are more complex and high level than the powers. The heart of the discussion concerns the nature of properties. Rescher seems to agree.
Book Reference
Rescher,Nicholas: 'Process Metaphysics' [SUNY 1996], p.44