Single Idea 12467

[catalogued under 8. Modes of Existence / C. Powers and Dispositions / 2. Powers as Basic]

Full Idea

The source of powers is not the laws of nature; it is the powerful nature of the ordinary properties of concrete particulars.

Gist of Idea

Powers come from concrete particulars, not from the laws of nature

Source

Jonathan D. Jacobs (A Powers Theory of Modality [2010], §4.2)

Book Reference

-: 'Philosophical Studies' [-], p.12


A Reaction

This pithily summarises my own view. People who think the powers of the world derive from the laws either have an implicit religious framework, or they are giving no thought at all to the ontological status of the laws.