structure for 'Modality'    |     alphabetical list of themes    |     expand these ideas

10. Modality / B. Possibility / 4. Potentiality

[possibilities of some specific thing]

13 ideas
A 'potentiality' is a principle of change or process in a thing [Aristotle]
Things are destroyed not by their powers, but by their lack of them [Aristotle]
Potentialities are always for action, but are conditional on circumstances [Aristotle]
We recognise potentiality from actuality [Aristotle]
Matter is potentiality [Aristotle, by Politis]
Bodies have act and potency, the latter explaining new kinds of existence [Oderberg]
A potentiality may not be a disposition, but dispositions are strong potentialities [Vetter, by Friend/Kimpton-Nye]
Potentiality does the explaining in metaphysics; we don't explain it away or reduce it [Vetter]
Potentiality is the common genus of dispositions, abilities, and similar properties [Vetter]
Water has a potentiality to acquire a potentiality to break (by freezing) [Vetter]
Potentialities may be too weak to count as 'dispositions' [Vetter]
Potentiality logic is modal system T. Stronger systems collapse iterations, and necessitate potentials [Vetter]
There are potentialities 'to ...', but possibilities are 'that ....'. [Vetter]