Single Idea 9437

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / D. Laws of Nature / 8. Scientific Essentialism / d. Knowing essences]

Full Idea

Where properties are possessed by all kind members, we must distinguish the accidental from essential ones by considering all actual and possible kind members.

Gist of Idea

To distinguish accidental from essential properties, we must include possible members of kinds

Source

Stephen Mumford (Laws in Nature [2004], 07.5)

Book Reference

Mumford,Stephen: 'Laws in Nature' [Routledge 2006], p.117


A Reaction

This is why we must treat possibilities as features of the actual world.