Single Idea 2392

[catalogued under 7. Existence / C. Structure of Existence / 5. Supervenience / a. Nature of supervenience]

Full Idea

B-properties supervene on A-properties if no two possible situations are identical with respect to their A-properties while differing in their B-properties.

Gist of Idea

Properties supervene if you can't have one without the other

Source

David J.Chalmers (The Conscious Mind [1996], 1.2.1)

Book Reference

Chalmers,David J.: 'The Conscious Mind' [OUP 1997], p.33


A Reaction

Personally I would have thought that if this condition is achieved, then we could go on to say B-properties supervene on A because A is causing them. We shouldn't be shy about this. Personally I think the Bs are necessary.