Single Idea 14557

[catalogued under 8. Modes of Existence / C. Powers and Dispositions / 3. Powers as Derived]

Full Idea

Powers are not necessarily reducible to forces. ...That new powers can be found when others combine is a regular part of common sense.

Gist of Idea

Powers are not just basic forces, since they combine to make new powers

Source

S.Mumford/R.Lill Anjum (Getting Causes from Powers [2011], 4.4)

Book Reference

Anjum,R.J./Mumford,S.: 'Getting Causes from Powers' [OUP 2011], p.103


A Reaction

[first bit p.102] Hm. I've always thought of powers as basic components of ontology. This idea implies that a herd of buffalo has a single power to flatten a tented village. An extra buffalo creates a completely new power. An awful lot of vague powers.