Single Idea 14318

[catalogued under 8. Modes of Existence / C. Powers and Dispositions / 5. Powers and Properties]

Full Idea

Understanding intrinsic properties as being causal powers is likely to be most profitable, and, if true, renders the causal criterion of property existence true analytically.

Gist of Idea

Intrinsic properties are just causal powers, and identifying a property as causal is then analytic

Source

Stephen Mumford (Dispositions [1998], 06.2)

Book Reference

Mumford,Stephen: 'Dispositions' [OUP 1998], p.123


A Reaction

[He cites E.Fales on this] I'm inclined to think that in the ultimate ontology the notion of a 'property' drops out. There are true causal powers, and then conventional human ways of grouping such powers together and naming them.