Combining Philosophers

Ideas for H.Putnam/P.Oppenheim, Carl Hempel and David Wiggins

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8. Modes of Existence / C. Powers and Dispositions / 4. Powers as Essence
Substances contain a source of change or principle of activity [Wiggins]
     Full Idea: Substances are things that have a source of change or principle of activity within them.
     From: David Wiggins (Substance [1995], 4.4.1)
     A reaction: A vey significant concession. I think we can talk of 'essences' and 'powers', and drop talk of 'substances'. 'Powers' is a much better word, because it immediately pushes the active ingredient to the forefront.