Single Idea 19667

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / D. Laws of Nature / 8. Scientific Essentialism / b. Scientific necessity]

Full Idea

The standard objection is that if the laws of nature were actually contingent, we would already have noticed it.

Gist of Idea

If the laws of nature are contingent, shouldn't we already have noticed it?

Source

Quentin Meillassoux (After Finitude; the necessity of contingency [2006], 4)

Book Reference

Meillassoux: 'After Finitude: the necessity of contingency', ed/tr. Brassier,R [Bloomsbury 2008], p.84


A Reaction

Meillassoux offers a sustained argument that the laws of nature are necessarily contingent. In Idea 19660 he distinguishes contingencies that must change from those that merely could change.

Related Idea

Idea 19660 Possible non-being which must be realised is 'precariousness'; absolute contingency might never not-be [Meillassoux]