more from S.Mumford/R.Lill Anjum

Single Idea 14564

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / D. Laws of Nature / 11. Against Laws of Nature]

Full Idea

Physical laws are typically understood as equations, ...but then factors must vary simultaneously, since if one factor varied before the others, there would be a time when the two sides of the equation didn't equate (so Newton's 2nd Law would be false).

Gist of Idea

If laws are equations, cause and effect must be simultaneous (or the law would be falsified)!

Source

S.Mumford/R.Lill Anjum (Getting Causes from Powers [2011], 5.5)

Book Reference

Anjum,R.J./Mumford,S.: 'Getting Causes from Powers' [OUP 2011], p.120


A Reaction

Nice. Presumably this thought seems to require action-at-a-distance, which no one could understand. Science oversimplifes the world. See Nancy Cartwright.