Single Idea 23671

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / D. Laws of Nature / 1. Laws of Nature]

Full Idea

The laws of nature are the rules according to which the effects are produced; but there must be a cause which operates according to these rules. The rules of navigation never navigated a ship.

Gist of Idea

Laws are rules for effects, but these need a cause; rules of navigation don't navigate

Source

Thomas Reid (Essays on Active Powers 1: Active power [1788], 6)

Book Reference

Reid,Thomas: 'Inquiry and Essays', ed/tr. Beanblossom /K.Lehrer [Hackett 1983], p.313


A Reaction

Very nice. No enquirer should be satisfied with merely discovering patterns; the point is to explain the patterns.