Single Idea 14386

[catalogued under 14. Science / D. Explanation / 2. Types of Explanation / i. Explanations by mechanism]

Full Idea

Mechanisms are ontologically dependent on the existence of regularities.

Gist of Idea

Mechanisms are ontologically dependent on regularities

Source

Bert Leuridan (Can Mechanisms Replace Laws of Nature? [2010], §3)

Book Reference

-: 'Philosophy of Science' [-], p.7


A Reaction

This seems to be the Humean rearguard action in favour of the regularity account of laws. Wrong, but a nice paper. This point shows why only powers (despite their vagueness!) are the only candidate for the bottom level of explanation.