Single Idea 23709

[catalogued under 8. Modes of Existence / B. Properties / 1. Nature of Properties]

Full Idea

Dispositions constitute the essences of properties, and hence the identity of a property is not primitive ('quidditism'), but is given in terms of its dispositional relations to other properties.

Gist of Idea

Dispositions are what individuate properties, and they constitute their essence

Source

Friend/Kimpton-Nye (Dispositions and Powers [2023], 3.3.1)

Book Reference

Friend/Kimpton-Nye: 'Dispositions and Powers' [CUP 2023], p.50


A Reaction

I like the picture that powers are basic, giving rise to dispositions, which combine to produce qualitative and active properties. Powers are precise and relatively few, and properties are ill-defined and very numerous. Being 'influential', for example.

Related Idea

Idea 23708 Humeans see properties as having no more essential features and relations than their distinctness [Friend/Kimpton-Nye, by PG]