more from Sydney Shoemaker

Single Idea 15096

[catalogued under 14. Science / C. Induction / 5. Paradoxes of Induction / a. Grue problem]

Full Idea

Perhaps 'grue' has causal features, but only derivatively, in virtue of its relation to green.

Gist of Idea

'Grue' only has causal features because of its relation to green

Source

Sydney Shoemaker (Causal and Metaphysical Necessity [1998], III)

Book Reference

Shoemaker,Sydney: 'Identity, Cause and Mind' [OUP 2003], p.413


A Reaction

I take grue to be a behaviour, and not a property at all. The problem only arises because the notion of a 'property' became too lax. Presumably Shoemaker should also mention blue in his account.