Single Idea 14985

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / D. Laws of Nature / 11. Against Laws of Nature]

Full Idea

Adding the notion of law to physical theory doesn't seem to enhance its explanatory power.

Gist of Idea

The notion of law doesn't seem to enhance physical theories

Source

Theodore Sider (Writing the Book of the World [2011], 02.4)

Book Reference

Sider,Theodore: 'Writing the Book of the World' [OUP 2011], p.15


A Reaction

I agree with his scepticism about laws, although Sider offers it as part of his scepticism about modal facts being included in explanations of actuality. Personally I like dispositions, but not laws. See the ideas of Stephen Mumford.