Single Idea 12684

[catalogued under 8. Modes of Existence / B. Properties / 6. Categorical Properties]

Full Idea

Spatial, temporal and numerical relations can have various causal roles without themselves being instances of causal powers.

Gist of Idea

Spatial, temporal and numerical relations have causal roles, without being causal

Source

Brian Ellis (The Metaphysics of Scientific Realism [2009], 3)

Book Reference

Ellis,Brian: 'The Metaphysics of Scientific Realism' [Acument 2009], p.70


A Reaction

He cites gaps, aggregates, orientations, approaching and receding, as examples of categorical properties which make a causal difference. I would have thought these could be incorporated in accounts of more basic causal powers.