more from Stephen Mumford

Single Idea 14338

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / D. Laws of Nature / 1. Laws of Nature]

Full Idea

In the 'laws' world view, events are the basic ontological unit and properties are parasitic upon them. Properties exist only in virtue of their instantiation in events. Properties are categorical, because they are only manifested in the present.

Gist of Idea

In the 'laws' view events are basic, and properties are categorical, only existing when manifested

Source

Stephen Mumford (Dispositions [1998], 10.2)

Book Reference

Mumford,Stephen: 'Dispositions' [OUP 1998], p.218


A Reaction

Mumford rejects this view, and I am with him all the way. The first requirement is that properties be active, and not inert. See Leibniz on this.