Full Idea
I believe reducing all universals to powers is involved in vicious regress. The power is what it is by the sort of actualisations it gives rise to in suitable sorts of circumstances. But they themselves can be nothing but powers...
Gist of Idea
If everything is powers there is a vicious regress, as powers are defined by more powers
Source
David M. Armstrong (What is a Law of Nature? [1983], 08.3)
Book Reference
Armstrong,D.M.: 'What is a Law of Nature?' [CUP 1985], p.123
A Reaction
[compressed wording] I don't see this problem. Anything postulated as fundamental is going to be baffling. Why are categorical properties superior to powers? Postulate basic powers (or basic empowered stuff), then build up.