more from Stephen Mumford

Single Idea 14328

[catalogued under 8. Modes of Existence / C. Powers and Dispositions / 7. Against Powers]

Full Idea

In the old-fashioned sense, 'powers' are real potentialities that initiate changes but seem to have a mysterious existence in between those changes.

Gist of Idea

Traditional powers initiate change, but are mysterious between those changes

Source

Stephen Mumford (Dispositions [1998], 07.10)

Book Reference

Mumford,Stephen: 'Dispositions' [OUP 1998], p.168


A Reaction

What is a person when they are asleep? What is a dishwasher when it isn't running? What is gunpowder when it doesn't explode? We all understand latent powers. To see them as a 'mystery' is to want to know too much.