Single Idea 11942

[catalogued under 8. Modes of Existence / C. Powers and Dispositions / 1. Powers]

Full Idea

Power consists in the possibility or probability of any action, as discovered by experience and the practice of the world.

Gist of Idea

Power is the possibility of action, as discovered by experience

Source

David Hume (Treatise of Human Nature [1739], p.313), quoted by George Molnar - Powers 5

Book Reference

Molnar,George: 'Powers: a study in metaphysics', ed/tr. Mumford,Stephen [OUP 2003], p.99


A Reaction

[page in OUP edn] This strikes me as blatantly false, and typical of those who confuse epistemology with ontology. It implies that a power that takes everyone by surprise is impossible, by definition.