E. J. Lowe
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- May 2006
- ISBN:
- 9780199254392
- eISBN:
- 9780191603600
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199254397.003.0008
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Metaphysics/Epistemology
The customary distinction between dispositional and categorical properties is critically examined, and replaced by one between dispositional and occurrent predication. The ontological ground of the ...
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The customary distinction between dispositional and categorical properties is critically examined, and replaced by one between dispositional and occurrent predication. The ontological ground of the latter distinction is explained using the framework of the four-category ontology. An account is sketched of the ontological status of laws of nature, and its similarities to and differences from D. M. Armstrong’s account are discussed, particularly the key role in the new account of the categorial distinction between substantial and non-substantial universals. A theory of natural powers is advanced and contrasted with the recent theories of C. B. Martin and George Molnar.Less
The customary distinction between dispositional and categorical properties is critically examined, and replaced by one between dispositional and occurrent predication. The ontological ground of the latter distinction is explained using the framework of the four-category ontology. An account is sketched of the ontological status of laws of nature, and its similarities to and differences from D. M. Armstrong’s account are discussed, particularly the key role in the new account of the categorial distinction between substantial and non-substantial universals. A theory of natural powers is advanced and contrasted with the recent theories of C. B. Martin and George Molnar.
David M. Armstrong
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- September 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199590612
- eISBN:
- 9780191723391
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199590612.003.0010
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Philosophy of Mind, Metaphysics/Epistemology
Molnar's four propositions are introduced. They present an important dilemma. C.B. Martin's distinction between limits and absences is then introduced. It is argued that there are objective limits in ...
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Molnar's four propositions are introduced. They present an important dilemma. C.B. Martin's distinction between limits and absences is then introduced. It is argued that there are objective limits in the world, totality states of affairs or ‘allnesses’. In this sense there is negation in the world. Totalities may even be perceived. But absences are not required as truthmakers. Mereology is introduced to elucidate the form that totality states of affairs take. Limits are not ‘additions of being’ and, arguably, do not clash with the Eleatic Principle.Less
Molnar's four propositions are introduced. They present an important dilemma. C.B. Martin's distinction between limits and absences is then introduced. It is argued that there are objective limits in the world, totality states of affairs or ‘allnesses’. In this sense there is negation in the world. Totalities may even be perceived. But absences are not required as truthmakers. Mereology is introduced to elucidate the form that totality states of affairs take. Limits are not ‘additions of being’ and, arguably, do not clash with the Eleatic Principle.
