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Single Idea 14584

[from 'Getting Causes from Powers' by S.Mumford/R.Lill Anjum, in 8. Modes of Existence / C. Powers and Dispositions / 6. Dispositions / c. Dispositions as conditional ]

Full Idea

The most obvious inadequacy of the simple conditional account of dispositions is that it fails to accommodate the possibility of prevention.

Gist of Idea

The simple conditional analysis of dispositions doesn't allow for possible prevention

Source

S.Mumford/R.Lill Anjum (Getting Causes from Powers [2011], 8.10)

Book Reference

Anjum,R.J./Mumford,S.: 'Getting Causes from Powers' [OUP 2011], p.191


A Reaction

[They cite Ryle 1949 for the original idea] The point is obviously correct, since the simple analysis assumes that the outcome occurred [∀x(Dx → (Sx → Mx)]. If the outcome was blocked (by finks or antidotes) the disposition would remain.