Single Idea 16245

[catalogued under 14. Science / D. Explanation / 2. Types of Explanation / e. Lawlike explanations]

Full Idea

A law ought to be capable of playing some role in explaining the phenomena that are governed by or are manifestations of it.

Gist of Idea

Laws should help explain the things they govern, or that manifest them

Source

Tim Maudlin (The Metaphysics within Physics [2007], 1.2)

Book Reference

Maudlin,Tim: 'The Metaphysics within Physics' [OUP 2007], p.8


A Reaction

I find this attitude bewildering. 'Why do electrons have spin?' 'Because they all do!' The word 'governed' is the clue. What on earth is a law, if it can 'govern' nature? What is its ontological status? Natures of things are basic, not 'laws'.