Single Idea 15885

[catalogued under 14. Science / D. Explanation / 2. Types of Explanation / i. Explanations by mechanism]

Full Idea

The 'must' of Newton's First Law is different. There is no deeper level relative to the processes described to give a mechanism which generates uniform motion. There is no such mechanism. ..It specifies what it is for something to be a material thing.

Gist of Idea

The necessity of Newton's First Law derives from the nature of material things, not from a mechanism

Source

Rom Harré (Laws of Nature [1993], 4)

Book Reference

Harré,Rom: 'Laws of Nature' [Duckworth 1993], p.100


A Reaction

Harré says the law can only exist as part of a network of other ideas.