Single Idea 23778

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / D. Laws of Nature / 8. Scientific Essentialism / c. Essence and laws]

Full Idea

Powers carry their lawlike features within them: it is part of their essence, qua power. Their pointing at future states just is their internal law-like nature; it is what gets expressed in such and such conditions.

Gist of Idea

Powers contain lawlike features, pointing to possible future states

Source

Neil E. Williams (The Powers Metaphysics [2019], 03.3)

Book Reference

Williams,Neil E.: 'The Powers Metaphysics' [OUP 2019], p.64


A Reaction

Modern writers on powers seem unaware that Leibniz got there first. This seems to me the correct account of the ontology of laws. The formulation of laws is probably the best descriptive system for nature's patterns (over time as well as space).

Related Idea

Idea 16507 The law within something fixes its persistence, and accords with general laws of nature [Leibniz]