Single Idea 17005

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / D. Laws of Nature / 8. Scientific Essentialism / c. Essence and laws]

Full Idea

Things natural …do so necessarily observe their certain laws, that as long as they keep those forms which give them their being they cannot possibly be apt or inclinable to do otherwise than they do.

Gist of Idea

Natural things observe certain laws, and things cannot do otherwise if they retain their forms

Source

Richard Hooker (Of the Laws of Ecclesiastical Polity [1593], 1.3.4), quoted by Marc Lange - Laws and Lawmakers 1.2

Book Reference

Lange,Marc: 'Laws and Lawmakers' [OUP 2009], p.6


A Reaction

Cited by some as the beginnings of the idea of 'laws of nature', but it is striking that Hooker says the laws are controlled by 'forms' (which are Aristotelian essences). This is an essentialist view of laws, not a regularity or divine power one.