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Single Idea 6773

[from 'Philosophy of Science' by Alexander Bird, in 26. Natural Theory / B. Natural Kinds / 2. Defining Kinds ]

Full Idea

The proposal is that if F is a universal appearing in some natural law, then Fs form a natural kind.

Gist of Idea

If F is a universal appearing in a natural law, then Fs form a natural kind

Source

Alexander Bird (Philosophy of Science [1998], Ch.3)

Book Reference

Bird,Alexander: 'Philosophy of Science' [UCL Press 2000], p.113


A Reaction

Such proposals always invite the question 'What is it about F that enables it to be a universal in a natural law?' Nothing can be ultimately defined simply by its role. The character (essence, even) of the thing makes the role possible.