Single Idea 14956

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / B. Natural Kinds / 3. Knowing Kinds]

Full Idea

Philosophers sometimes invoke natural kinds as if they explain the possibility of explanation. This is characteristically neo-scholastic. That anything can be explained, and that properties cluster together, express one fact: reality is relatively stable.

Gist of Idea

Explanation by kinds and by clusters of properties just express the stability of reality

Source

J Ladyman / D Ross (Every Thing Must Go [2007], 5.6)

Book Reference

Ladyman,J/Ross,D: 'Every Thing Must Go' [OUP 2007], p.292


A Reaction

Odd idea. I would have thought that if there are indeed kinds and clusters, this would explain a great deal more than mere stability. Or, more accurately, they would invite a more substantial explanation than mere stability would seem to need.