Single Idea 15822

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / A. Speculations on Nature / 1. Nature]

Full Idea

It is generally agreed, I think, that the concept of physical necessity, or a law of nature, is fundamental to the theory of causation and, more generally, to the concept of nature.

Gist of Idea

The concept of physical necessity is basic to both causation, and to the concept of nature

Source

Roderick Chisholm (Person and Object [1976], 2.3)

Book Reference

Chisholm,Roderick: 'Person and Object' [Open Court 1976], p.60


A Reaction

This seems intuitively right, but we might be able to formulate a concept of nature that had a bit less necessity in it, especially if we read a few books on quantum theory first.

Related Idea

Idea 15820 A 'law of nature' is just something which is physically necessary [Chisholm]