Full Idea
There are competitive models of the nature of things and materials, and that one is chosen which is successful in explaining the most powers and capacities of particulars and in leading to the discovery of hitherto unsuspected powers and capacities.
Gist of Idea
We prefer the theory which explains and predicts the powers and capacities of particulars
Source
Harré,R./Madden,E.H. (Causal Powers [1975], 8.III)
Book Reference
Harré,R/Madden,E.H.: 'Causal Powers: A Theory of Natural Necessity' [Blackwell 1975], p.149
A Reaction
If the powers and capacities are what get explained, what exactly does the explaining? If you says 'essences', you then have to characterise essences in some other way. I vote for basic powers as primitive. - but Idea 15302.
Related Idea
Idea 15302 We explain powers by the natures of things, but explanations end in inexplicable powers [Harré/Madden]