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Single Idea 16948

[from 'Natural Kinds' by Willard Quine, in 8. Modes of Existence / C. Powers and Dispositions / 6. Dispositions / a. Dispositions ]

Full Idea

Once we can legitimize a disposition term by defining the relevant similarity standard, we are apt to know the mechanism of the disposition, and so by-pass the similarity.

Gist of Idea

Once we know the mechanism of a disposition, we can eliminate 'similarity'

Source

Willard Quine (Natural Kinds [1969], p.135)

Book Reference

Quine,Willard: 'Ontological Relativity and Other Essays' [Columbia 1969], p.135


A Reaction

I love mechanisms, but can we characterise mechanisms without mentioning powers and dispositions? Quine's dream is to eliminate 'similarity'.

Related Idea

Idea 16947 Similarity is just interchangeability in the cosmic machine [Quine]