Combining Philosophers

Ideas for James Rachels, Max J. Cresswell and Karl Popper

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2 ideas

8. Modes of Existence / A. Relations / 4. Formal Relations / a. Types of relation

14974	A relation is 'Euclidean' if aRb and aRc imply bRc [Cresswell]
	Full Idea: A relation is 'Euclidean' if aRb and aRc imply bRc.
	From: Max J. Cresswell (Modal Logic [2001], 7.1.2)
	A reaction: If a thing has a relation to two separate things, then those two things will also have that relation between them. If I am in the same family as Jim and as Jill, then Jim and Jill are in the same family.

8. Modes of Existence / C. Powers and Dispositions / 7. Against Powers

11946	Propensities are part of a situation, not part of the objects [Popper]
	Full Idea: Propensities should not be regarded as inherent in an object, such as a die or a penny, but should be regarded as inherent in a situation (of which, of course, the object was part).
	From: Karl Popper (A World of Propensities [1993], p.14), quoted by George Molnar - Powers 6.2
	A reaction: Molnar argues against this claim, and I agree with him. We can see why Popper might prefer this relational view, given that powers often only become apparent in unusual relational situations.