more from Stephen Mumford

Single Idea 14343

[catalogued under 14. Science / D. Explanation / 3. Best Explanation / b. Ultimate explanation]

Full Idea

The nature of explanation is such that ungrounded dispositions will always have to be posited in order to avoid a regress of explanation.

Gist of Idea

To avoid a regress in explanations, ungrounded dispositions will always have to be posited

Source

Stephen Mumford (Dispositions [1998], 10.6)

Book Reference

Mumford,Stephen: 'Dispositions' [OUP 1998], p.232


A Reaction

This seems to be right, but leaves it open to mock the proposals as 'virtus dormitiva' - empty place-holders that ground explanations but do no explanatory work. What else can be done, though?