Single Idea 9436

[catalogued under 8. Modes of Existence / B. Properties / 6. Categorical Properties]

Full Idea

There is no property of being an electron. It could only be instantiated by electrons, so it does not seem genuine. And what is the thing that supposedly instantiates the property of being an electron?

Gist of Idea

The property of 'being an electron' is not of anything, and only electrons could have it

Source

Brian Ellis (Scientific Essentialism [2001], 75,92), quoted by Stephen Mumford - Laws in Nature 7.3

Book Reference

Mumford,Stephen: 'Laws in Nature' [Routledge 2006], p.112


A Reaction

I agree entirely. Bird launches an excellent attack on categorial properties.

Related Idea

Idea 4617 A stone does not possess the property of being a stone; its other properties make it a stone [Heil]