Single Idea 15798

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / B. Natural Kinds / 2. Defining Kinds]

Full Idea

Kinds of things are specific arrangements of dispositions.

Gist of Idea

Kinds are arrangements of dispositions

Source

J.H. Fetzer (A World of Dispositions [1977], 2)

Book Reference

-: 'Synthese' [-], p.405


A Reaction

A 'disposition' doesn't seem quite the right word for what is basic to the physical world, though Harré and Madden make a good case for the 'fields' of physic being understood in that way. I prefer 'power', though that doesn't solve anything.

Related Ideas

Idea 15797 All structures are dispositional, objects are dispositions sets, and events manifest dispositions [Fetzer]

Idea 15303 Maybe a physical field qualifies as ultimate, if its nature is identical with its powers [Harré/Madden]