Single Idea 9441

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / D. Laws of Nature / 4. Regularities / a. Regularity theory]

Full Idea

A regularity-law does not explain its instances, because such laws play no role in determining or governing their instances.

Gist of Idea

Regularity laws don't explain, because they have no governing role

Source

Stephen Mumford (Laws in Nature [2004], 09.7)

Book Reference

Mumford,Stephen: 'Laws in Nature' [Routledge 2006], p.156


A Reaction

Good. It has always seemed to me entirely vacuous to explain an event simply by saying that it falls under some law.