Single Idea 15470

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / D. Laws of Nature / 8. Scientific Essentialism / c. Essence and laws]

Full Idea

Causal laws are summaries of what entities are capable and incapable of.

Gist of Idea

Causal laws are summaries of powers

Source

C.B. Martin (The Mind in Nature [2008], 02.8)

Book Reference

Martin,C.B.: 'The Mind in Nature' [OUP 2008], p.21


A Reaction

That's a pretty good formulation. Personally I favour a Humean analysis, perhaps along Lewis's lines, but on a basis of real powers. This remark of Martin's has got me rethinking.