Single Idea 15281

[catalogued under 8. Modes of Existence / B. Properties / 5. Natural Properties]

Full Idea

The connectivity of ensembles of predicates is characteristic of natural science, while the independence of empirical predicates is the requirement of the Humean position.

Gist of Idea

Humeans see predicates as independent, but science says they are connected

Source

Harré,R./Madden,E.H. (Causal Powers [1975], 7.I)

Book Reference

Harré,R/Madden,E.H.: 'Causal Powers: A Theory of Natural Necessity' [Blackwell 1975], p.118


A Reaction

This is yet another excellent reason for getting rid of the hyperempirical Humean view of these things. The best explanation of the world is that its ingredients are clearly not 'independent' of each other.