Single Idea 23789

[catalogued under 8. Modes of Existence / C. Powers and Dispositions / 1. Powers]

Full Idea

Naming powers is unwise; the main reason is that there is a long tradition of naming powers according to the manifestations they can produce, and that does not square well with multi-track powers.

Clarification

A 'multi-track' power can produce diverse results

Gist of Idea

Naming powers is unwise, because that it usually done by a single manifestation

Source

Neil E. Williams (The Powers Metaphysics [2019], 08.4)

Book Reference

Williams,Neil E.: 'The Powers Metaphysics' [OUP 2019], p.191


A Reaction

On the other hand there must be some attempt to individuate powers (by scientists, if not by philosophers), and that can only rely on the manifestations. Describe them, rather than name them? Just assign them a number!