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On Powers BSAs

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2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Can the desire for efficiently systematised theories in science be explained from within a powers metaphysics? It is plausible that the traditional 'Powers Theory of Laws', endorsed by many friends of powers, does not alone provide such an explanation. This has led a number of recent authors to argue that a 'Powers Best System Account' of laws would be a preferable alternative. This account borrows a method for determining laws from the Humean and applies it to a reality of powers. Here I claim, to the contrary, that this account is both internally unworkable and, anyway, completely undermotivated when compared with the traditional view. Apart from some brief suggestions for alternative accounts, I'll conclude that the powers theorist still has their work cut out to explain systematising in science.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)452-475
Number of pages24
JournalPhilosophical Quarterly
Volume73
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 1 2023

Keywords

  • best systems account
  • laws of nature
  • powers
  • powers theory of laws
  • systematising in science

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