back to ideas for this text


Single Idea 14310

[from 'Dispositions' by Stephen Mumford, in 8. Modes of Existence / C. Powers and Dispositions / 3. Powers as Derived ]

Full Idea

A dispositional property is the classification of a property according to its functional role....[p.85] What is essential to a disposition - its identity condition - is its functional role.

Gist of Idea

Dispositions are classifications of properties by functional role

Source

Stephen Mumford (Dispositions [1998], 04.5)

Book Reference

Mumford,Stephen: 'Dispositions' [OUP 1998], p.75


A Reaction

This is Mumford's view of dispositions. I am wary of any proposal to define something according to its role, because it must have an intrinsic nature which equips it to have that role.