Single Idea 22632

[catalogued under 8. Modes of Existence / C. Powers and Dispositions / 2. Powers as Basic]

Full Idea

Is the negative charge of an electron a quality or power? It is clear that physics describes the nature of charge only in terms of what its bearer can do.

Gist of Idea

Physics understands the charge of an electron as a power, not as a quality

Source

R.D. Ingthorsson (A Powerful Particulars View of Causation [2021], 8.06)

Book Reference

'Oxford Handbook of Philosophy of Time', ed/tr. Callender,Craig [OUP 2013], p.131


A Reaction

The point is that an electron has properties, even though it has no observable qualities. Ingthorsson says the scientific concept of qualities is entirely about what something can do, and ot how it is perceived.