Single Idea 15966

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / D. Laws of Nature / 8. Scientific Essentialism / b. Scientific necessity]

Full Idea

Both Boyle and Locke believe in necessary connections in nature; full knowledge of a corpuscular structure would enable us to deduce, without trial, particular powers of interaction.

Gist of Idea

Boyle and Locke believed corpuscular structures necessitate their powers of interaction

Source

report of John Locke (Essay Conc Human Understanding (2nd Ed) [1694]) by Peter Alexander - Ideas, Qualities and Corpuscles 03.3

Book Reference

Alexander,Peter: 'Ideas, Qualities and Corpuscles' [CUP 1985], p.73


A Reaction

I take this view to be correct. Is the necessity analytic, because that is how you define the 'structures'? If not, what is the basis for the claim?