Single Idea 15754

[catalogued under 8. Modes of Existence / B. Properties / 2. Need for Properties]

Full Idea

The ontological correlates of true law-statements must involve properties. How else can one pick our the uniformities which the law-statements entail?

Gist of Idea

Without properties we would be unable to express the laws of nature

Source

David M. Armstrong (Properties [1992], 1)

Book Reference

'Properties', ed/tr. Mellor,D.H. /Oliver,A [OUP 1997], p.165


A Reaction

I'm unconvinced about the 'laws', but I have to admit that it is hard to know how to describe the relevant bits of nature without some family of concepts covered by the word 'property'. I'm in favour of taking some of the family into care, though.