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Single Idea 18397

[from 'Truth and Truthmakers' by David M. Armstrong, in 8. Modes of Existence / C. Powers and Dispositions / 7. Against Powers ]

Full Idea

Powers must surely issue in manifestations that are something more than just powers. A world where potency never issued in act, but only in more potency, would be one where one travelled without ever having the possibility of arriving.

Gist of Idea

Powers must result in some non-powers, or there would only be potential without result

Source

David M. Armstrong (Truth and Truthmakers [2004], 10.4)

Book Reference

Armstrong,D.M.: 'Truth and Truthmakers' [CUP 2004], p.139


A Reaction

Tricky. The picture I favour is that the distinction between powers and categorical properties is a misunderstanding. What is fundamental is active and powerful categoricals.