Single Idea 4612

[catalogued under 8. Modes of Existence / B. Properties / 7. Emergent Properties]

Full Idea

Complex properties do not "emerge"; they are nothing "over and above" the properties of the simple constituents duly arranged.

Gist of Idea

Complex properties are just arrangements of simple properties; they do not "emerge" as separate

Source

John Heil (Philosophy of Mind [1998], Ch.6)

Book Reference

Heil,John: 'Philosophy of Mind' [Routledge 1998], p.180


A Reaction

I am glad to see someone challenging the concept of 'emergence', which strikes me as incoherent. Small properties add up to macro-properties (like 'steep', or 'square').