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Single Idea 5469

[from 'The Philosophy of Nature: new essentialism' by Brian Ellis, in 8. Modes of Existence / B. Properties / 6. Categorical Properties ]

Full Idea

'Categorical realism' is the most widely accepted theory of dispositional properties, because passivists can accept it, ..that is, that dispositions supervene on categorical properties; ..the opposite would imply nature is active and reactive.

Clarification

'Passivists' believe nature is passive, and the laws add activity. See 5468.

Gist of Idea

The passive view of nature says categorical properties are basic, but others say dispositions

Source

Brian Ellis (The Philosophy of Nature: new essentialism [2002], Ch.4)

Book Reference

Ellis,Brian: 'The Philosophy of Nature: new essentialism' [Acumen 2002], p.70


A Reaction

Essentialists believe 'the opposite' - i.e. that dispositions are fundamental, and hence that the essence of nature is active. See 5468 for explanations of the distinctions. I am with the essentialists on this one.