Single Idea 14639

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / D. Laws of Nature / 5. Laws from Universals]

Full Idea

Individuals appear to enter into laws only through their general qualities and relations.

Gist of Idea

Individuals enter into laws only through their general qualities and relations

Source

Alan McMichael (The Epistemology of Essentialist Claims [1986], VIII)

Book Reference

'Midwest Studs XI:Essentialism', ed/tr. French,Uehling,Wettstein [Minnesota 1986], p.48


A Reaction

This is a very significant chicken-or-egg issue. The remark seems to offer the vision of pre-existing general laws, which individuals then join (like joining a club). But surely the laws are derived from the individuals? Where else could they come from?