Single Idea 17670

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / D. Laws of Nature / 3. Laws and Generalities]

Full Idea

Newton's First Law of Motion tells us what happens to a body which is not acted upon by a force. Yet it may be that the antecedent of the law is never instantiated. It may be that every body that there is, is acted upon by some force.

Gist of Idea

Newton's First Law refers to bodies not acted upon by a force, but there may be no such body

Source

David M. Armstrong (What is a Law of Nature? [1983], 02.7)

Book Reference

Armstrong,D.M.: 'What is a Law of Nature?' [CUP 1985], p.21