more from Tim Maudlin

Single Idea 16251

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / D. Laws of Nature / 4. Regularities / a. Regularity theory]

Full Idea

'All humans who live in houses with prime house numbers are mortal' is not a law because the class referred to is not a natural kind.

Gist of Idea

'Humans with prime house numbers are mortal' is not a law, because not a natural kind

Source

Tim Maudlin (The Metaphysics within Physics [2007], 1.6)

Book Reference

Maudlin,Tim: 'The Metaphysics within Physics' [OUP 2007], p.36


A Reaction

Maudlin wants laws to be primitive, but he now needs a primitive notion of a natural kind to make it work. If kinds generate laws, you can ditch the laws, and build your theory on the kinds. He also says no death is explained by 'all humans are mortal'.