Single Idea 15871

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / D. Laws of Nature / 2. Types of Laws]

Full Idea

Is Newton's First Law about what has actually happened or is it about what might, or could possibly happen? Is it about the actual events and states of the world, or possible events and states?

Gist of Idea

Are laws about what has or might happen, or do they also cover all the possibilities?

Source

Rom Harré (Laws of Nature [1993], 2)

Book Reference

Harré,Rom: 'Laws of Nature' [Duckworth 1993], p.39


A Reaction

I presume the first sentence distinguishes between what 'might (well)' happen, and what 'could (just) possibly happen'. I take it for granted that laws predict the actual future. The question is are they true of situations which will never occur?