Single Idea 14382

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / D. Laws of Nature / 3. Laws and Generalities]

Full Idea

A generalization is a 'pragmatic law' if it allows of prediction, explanation and manipulation, even if it fails to satisfy the traditional criteria. To this end, it should describe a stable regularity, but not necessarily a universal and necessary one.

Gist of Idea

Pragmatic laws allow prediction and explanation, to the extent that reality is stable

Source

Bert Leuridan (Can Mechanisms Replace Laws of Nature? [2010], §1)

Book Reference

-: 'Philosophy of Science' [-], p.2


A Reaction

I am tempted to say of this that all laws are pragmatic, given that it is rather hard to know whether reality is stable. The universal laws consist of saying that IF reality stays stable in certain ways, certain outcomes will ensue necessarily.