more from Thomas Nagel

Single Idea 3290

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / C. Causation / 9. General Causation / d. Causal necessity]

Full Idea

Given what heat is and what water is, it is literally impossible for water to be heated beyond a certain point at normal atmospheric pressure without boiling.

Gist of Idea

Given the nature of heat and of water, it is literally impossible for water not to boil at the right heat

Source

Thomas Nagel (Panpsychism [1979], p.186)

Book Reference

Nagel,Thomas: 'Mortal Questions' [CUP 1981], p.186