more from Harré,R./Madden,E.H.

Single Idea 15258

[catalogued under 8. Modes of Existence / C. Powers and Dispositions / 3. Powers as Derived]

Full Idea

An attribution of a power opens up a certain direction of empirical investigation. It is not an attribution of an occult quality, because it is not a quality-attribution at all.

Gist of Idea

Powers are not qualities; they just point to directions of empirical investigation

Source

Harré,R./Madden,E.H. (Causal Powers [1975], 5.II)

Book Reference

Harré,R/Madden,E.H.: 'Causal Powers: A Theory of Natural Necessity' [Blackwell 1975], p.85


A Reaction

They seem to have a rather behaviouristic view of powers, which I am inclined to think misses how fundamental powers are. I see fundamental powers as the terminus of empirical investigation (which focuses on how powers combine).