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Single Idea 8554
[filed under theme 10. Modality / B. Possibility / 1. Possibility
]
Full Idea
The ways in which a given thing can be different in different possible worlds depend on the ways in which such a thing can be different at different times in the actual world.
Gist of Idea
Possible difference across worlds depends on difference across time in the actual world
Source
Sydney Shoemaker (Causality and Properties [1980], §05)
Book Ref
Shoemaker,Sydney: 'Identity, Cause and Mind' [OUP 2003], p.218
A Reaction
Where change in a thing is possible across time in the actual world seems to require a combination of experiment and imagination. Unimaginability does not entail necessity, but it may be the best guide we have got.
The
56 ideas
from Sydney Shoemaker
15091
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Restrict 'logical truth' to formal logic, rather than including analytic and metaphysical truths
[Shoemaker]
|
15093
|
We might say laws are necessary by combining causal properties with Armstrong-Dretske-Tooley laws
[Shoemaker]
|
15096
|
'Grue' only has causal features because of its relation to green
[Shoemaker]
|
15095
|
A property's causal features are essential, and only they fix its identity
[Shoemaker]
|
15097
|
I claim that a property has its causal features in all possible worlds
[Shoemaker]
|
15094
|
I now deny that properties are cluster of powers, and take causal properties as basic
[Shoemaker]
|
15099
|
If something is possible, but not nomologically possible, we need metaphysical possibility
[Shoemaker]
|
15098
|
Empirical evidence shows that imagining a phenomenon can show it is possible
[Shoemaker]
|
15100
|
Imagination reveals conceptual possibility, where descriptions avoid contradiction or incoherence
[Shoemaker]
|
15101
|
Once you give up necessity as a priori, causal necessity becomes the main type of necessity
[Shoemaker]
|
9485
|
Universals concern how things are, and how they could be
[Shoemaker, by Bird]
|
12678
|
Shoemaker says all genuine properties are dispositional
[Shoemaker, by Ellis]
|
8542
|
If causality is between events, there must be reference to the properties involved
[Shoemaker]
|
8545
|
A causal theory of properties focuses on change, not (say) on abstract properties of numbers
[Shoemaker]
|
8543
|
Genuine properties are closely related to genuine changes
[Shoemaker]
|
15756
|
Some truths are not because of a thing's properties, but because of the properties of related things
[Shoemaker]
|
15758
|
Things have powers in virtue of (which are entailed by) their properties
[Shoemaker]
|
8547
|
One power can come from different properties; a thing's powers come from its properties
[Shoemaker]
|
8548
|
Dispositional predicates ascribe powers, and the rest ascribe properties
[Shoemaker]
|
15757
|
'Square', 'round' and 'made of copper' show that not all properties are dispositional
[Shoemaker]
|
15759
|
The identity of a property concerns its causal powers
[Shoemaker]
|
15760
|
Properties are clusters of conditional powers
[Shoemaker]
|
15761
|
We should abandon the idea that properties are the meanings of predicate expressions
[Shoemaker]
|
8549
|
Properties are functions producing powers, and powers are functions producing effects
[Shoemaker]
|
8550
|
Triangular and trilateral are coextensive, but different concepts; but powers and properties are the same
[Shoemaker]
|
8555
|
There is no subset of properties which guarantee a thing's identity
[Shoemaker]
|
8554
|
Possible difference across worlds depends on difference across time in the actual world
[Shoemaker]
|
15762
|
Could properties change without the powers changing, or powers change without the properties changing?
[Shoemaker]
|
8552
|
If properties are separated from causal powers, this invites total elimination
[Shoemaker]
|
8551
|
Properties must be essentially causal if we can know and speak about them
[Shoemaker]
|
8553
|
It looks as if the immutability of the powers of a property imply essentiality
[Shoemaker]
|
8556
|
Grueness is not, unlike green and blue, associated with causal potential
[Shoemaker]
|
8557
|
To ascertain genuine properties, examine the object directly
[Shoemaker]
|
8558
|
One system has properties, powers, events, similarity and substance
[Shoemaker]
|
4040
|
The notions of property and of causal power are parts of a single system of related concepts
[Shoemaker]
|
8559
|
Analysis aims at internal relationships, not reduction
[Shoemaker]
|
8560
|
If causal laws describe causal potentialities, the same laws govern properties in all possible worlds
[Shoemaker]
|
15763
|
If properties are causal, then causal necessity is a species of logical necessity
[Shoemaker]
|
8561
|
If a world has different causal laws, it must have different properties
[Shoemaker]
|
15764
|
'Conceivable' is either not-provably-false, or compatible with what we know?
[Shoemaker]
|
8562
|
It is possible to conceive what is not possible
[Shoemaker]
|
15765
|
Actually, properties are individuated by causes as well as effects
[Shoemaker]
|
15092
|
Formerly I said properties are individuated by essential causal powers and causing instantiation
[Shoemaker, by Shoemaker]
|
5687
|
For true introspection, must we be aware that we are aware of our mental events?
[Shoemaker]
|
5688
|
Empirical foundationalism says basic knowledge is self-intimating, and incorrigible or infallible
[Shoemaker]
|
5691
|
The adverbial account of sensation says not 'see a red image' but be 'appeared to redly'
[Shoemaker]
|
1389
|
If memory is the sole criterion of identity, we ought to use it for other people too
[Shoemaker]
|
1390
|
Bodily identity is one criterion and memory another, for personal identity
[Shoemaker, by PG]
|
14534
|
Shoemaker moved from properties as powers to properties bestowing powers
[Shoemaker, by Mumford/Anjum]
|
4226
|
If three regions 'freeze' every three, four and five years, after sixty years everything stops for a year
[Shoemaker, by Lowe]
|
8593
|
Maybe billions of changeless years have elapsed since my last meal
[Shoemaker]
|
8594
|
People have had good reasons for thinking that the circle has been squared
[Shoemaker]
|
8595
|
If three regions freeze every 3rd, 4th and 5th year, they all freeze together every 60 years
[Shoemaker]
|
8596
|
Inability to measure equality doesn't make all lengths unequal
[Shoemaker]
|
8597
|
We couldn't verify the earth's rotation if everyone simultaneously fell asleep
[Shoemaker]
|
8598
|
If things turn red for an hour and then explode, we wouldn't say the redness was the cause
[Shoemaker]
|