Single Idea 4615

[catalogued under 8. Modes of Existence / B. Properties / 7. Emergent Properties]

Full Idea

New combinations of properties are just that: new combinations, not new properties. (This is not to reject complex properties, but only to reaffirm that complex properties are nothing over and above their constituents suitably arranged).

Gist of Idea

Complex properties are not new properties, they are merely new combinations of properties

Source

John Heil (Philosophy of Mind [1998], Ch.6)

Book Reference

Heil,John: 'Philosophy of Mind' [Routledge 1998], p.192


A Reaction

I wish I could be so confidence, but no one seems quite sure what a property is. Are they defined causally, or as 'qualities'? If the latter, what is a quality? Are there basic properties? Can properties merge to form a new one?