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Single Idea 12665
[filed under theme 8. Modes of Existence / B. Properties / 6. Categorical Properties
]
Full Idea
I want to insist on the existence of a class of categorical properties distinct from causal powers. This is contentious, for there is a growing body of opinion that all properties are causal powers.
Gist of Idea
I support categorical properties, although most people only want causal powers
Source
Brian Ellis (The Metaphysics of Scientific Realism [2009], Intro)
Book Ref
Ellis,Brian: 'The Metaphysics of Scientific Realism' [Acument 2009], p.2
A Reaction
Alexander Bird makes a case against categorical properties. If what is meant is that 'being an electron' is the key property of an electron, then I disagree (quite strongly) with Ellis. Ellis says they are needed to explain causal powers.
The
25 ideas
from 'The Metaphysics of Scientific Realism'
23781
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Categoricals exist to influence powers. Such as structures, orientations and magnitudes
[Ellis, by Williams,NE]
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12665
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I support categorical properties, although most people only want causal powers
[Ellis]
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12667
|
Metaphysics aims at the simplest explanation, without regard to testability
[Ellis]
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12666
|
We can base logic on acceptability, and abandon the Fregean account by truth-preservation
[Ellis]
|
12668
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Metaphysical necessity holds between things in the world and things they make true
[Ellis]
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12669
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Science aims to explain things, not just describe them
[Ellis]
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12670
|
A physical event is any change of distribution of energy
[Ellis]
|
12673
|
Physical properties are those relevant to how a physical system might act
[Ellis]
|
12672
|
Properties and relations are discovered, so they can't be mere sets of individuals
[Ellis]
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12671
|
I deny forces as entities that intervene in causation, but are not themselves causal
[Ellis]
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12674
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Energy is the key multi-valued property, vital to scientific realism
[Ellis]
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12681
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There are natural kinds of processes
[Ellis]
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12680
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Natural kind structures go right down to the bottom level
[Ellis]
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12675
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Laws of nature are just descriptions of how things are disposed to behave
[Ellis]
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12676
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Causal powers can't rest on things which lack causal power
[Ellis]
|
12682
|
Essentialism needs categorical properties (spatiotemporal and numerical relations) and dispositions
[Ellis]
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12684
|
Spatial, temporal and numerical relations have causal roles, without being causal
[Ellis]
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12679
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A real essence is a kind's distinctive properties
[Ellis]
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12683
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Objects and substances are a subcategory of the natural kinds of processes
[Ellis]
|
12685
|
Categorical properties depend only on the structures they represent
[Ellis]
|
12686
|
Causal powers are a proper subset of the dispositional properties
[Ellis]
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12687
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Metaphysical necessities are those depending on the essential nature of things
[Ellis]
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12688
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Mathematics is the formal study of the categorical dimensions of things
[Ellis]
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12689
|
Simultaneity can be temporal equidistance from the Big Bang
[Ellis]
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12690
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The present is the collapse of the light wavefront from the Big Bang
[Ellis]
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