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Single Idea 14375

[filed under theme 8. Modes of Existence / A. Relations / 3. Structural Relations ]

Full Idea

If a relation holds between two properties as a result of their intrinsic natures, then it appears the relation between the properties is not needed to do the structuring of reality; the properties themselves suffice to fix the structure.

Gist of Idea

If structures result from intrinsic natures of properties, the 'relations' between them can drop out

Source

Jonathan D. Jacobs (A Powers Theory of Modality [2010], §4.1)

Book Ref

-: 'Philosophical Studies' [-], p.11


A Reaction

[the first bit quotes Jubien 2007] He cites a group of scientific essentialists as spokesmen for this view. Sounds right to me. No on seems able to pin down what a relation is - which may be because there is no such entity.


The 13 ideas from 'A Powers Theory of Modality'

Unlike correspondence, truthmaking can be one truth to many truthmakers, or vice versa [Jacobs]
We can base counterfactuals on powers, not possible worlds, and hence define necessity [Jacobs]
Concrete worlds, unlike fictions, at least offer evidence of how the actual world could be [Jacobs]
If some book described a possibe life for you, that isn't what makes such a life possible [Jacobs]
Possible worlds are just not suitable truthmakers for modality [Jacobs]
All modality is in the properties and relations of the actual world [Jacobs]
If structures result from intrinsic natures of properties, the 'relations' between them can drop out [Jacobs]
Powers come from concrete particulars, not from the laws of nature [Jacobs]
States of affairs are only possible if some substance could initiate a causal chain to get there [Jacobs]
Possibilities are manifestations of some power, and impossibilies rest on no powers [Jacobs]
Science aims at identifying the structure and nature of the powers that exist [Jacobs]
Possible worlds semantics gives little insight into modality [Jacobs]
Counterfactuals invite us to consider the powers picked out by the antecedent [Jacobs]