Single Idea 17690

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / D. Laws of Nature / 2. Types of Laws]

Full Idea

Three degress of law: 1) 'Oaken laws' where all Fs that aren't Hs are Gs; 2) 'Iron' laws where all Fs are Gs; and 3) 'Steel' laws where all Fs must be Gs.

Gist of Idea

Oaken conditional laws, Iron universal laws, and Steel necessary laws

Source

report of David M. Armstrong (What is a Law of Nature? [1983], 10.4) by PG - Db (ideas)

Book Reference

Armstrong,D.M.: 'What is a Law of Nature?' [CUP 1985], p.148


A Reaction

[My summary of Armstrong's distinction] One response is to say that all laws are actually Oaken - see Mumfor and Mumford/Lill Anjum. It's all ceteris paribus.