Laws of Nature

Tuomas Tahko

doi:10.4324/9781003246077-38

Laws of Nature

Tuomas Tahko

Department of Philosophy

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter in a book

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Abstract

The role of properties in specifying different views on laws of nature is significant: virtually
any position on laws will make some reference to properties, and some of the leading views
even reduce laws to properties. This chapter will first outline what laws of nature are
typically taken to be and then specify their connection to properties in more detail. We shall
see that different conceptions of properties also result in different views of the modal status
of laws, such as the question whether laws are metaphysically necessary or contingent. Some
conceptions of properties that have an especially intimate connection to laws include natural,
essential, and dispositional properties. Finally, there are also important links specifically
between properties, natural kinds, and laws of nature that deserve our attention.

Original language	English
Title of host publication	The Routledge Handbook of Properties
Editors	A. R. J. Fisher, Anna-Sofia Maurin
Publisher	Routledge
Chapter	30
Pages	337–346
Number of pages	10
ISBN (Electronic)	9781003246077
ISBN (Print)	9781032158761
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003246077-38
Publication status	Published - 22 Dec 2023

Publication series

Name	Routledge Handbooks in Philosophy
Publisher	Routledge

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2024 selection and editorial matter A.R.J. Fisher and Anna-Sofia Maurin.

Keywords

philosophy
metaphysics
philosophy of science
laws of nature

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10.4324/9781003246077-38

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abstract = "The role of properties in specifying different views on laws of nature is significant: virtuallyany position on laws will make some reference to properties, and some of the leading viewseven reduce laws to properties. This chapter will first outline what laws of nature aretypically taken to be and then specify their connection to properties in more detail. We shallsee that different conceptions of properties also result in different views of the modal statusof laws, such as the question whether laws are metaphysically necessary or contingent. Someconceptions of properties that have an especially intimate connection to laws include natural,essential, and dispositional properties. Finally, there are also important links specificallybetween properties, natural kinds, and laws of nature that deserve our attention. ",

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KW - metaphysics

KW - philosophy of science

KW - laws of nature

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DO - 10.4324/9781003246077-38

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A2 - Maurin, Anna-Sofia

PB - Routledge

ER -

Laws of Nature

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