Single Idea 15149

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / B. Natural Kinds / 4. Source of Kinds]

Full Idea

Boyd analyses 'sociability' between properties in terms of 'homeostasis', as causal relations between properties that favour clustering, or underlying processes that favour coinstantiation, or both.

Gist of Idea

Properties cluster together, either because of intrinsic relations, or because of an underlying process

Source

report of Richard Boyd (Homeostasis, Species and Higher Taxa [1999]) by Anjan Chakravarrty - Inessential Aristotle: Powers without Essences 3


A Reaction

Chakravarty criticises this claim, but Boyd is clearly onto something. If, like me, you think natural kinds are overrated, you have to like his view.

Related Idea

Idea 15150 The properties of an electron can't be explained just as 'clustering' [Chakravartty on Boyd]