ISBN : 9780198855101
Putting Properties First considers the metaphysics of natural science. It develops and defends a contemporary metaphysical theory of natural modality called 'Modal Platonism', which puts properties first in the metaphysical hierarchy. According to this theory, natural properties-such as mass and charge-are fundamental entities which ground the laws of nature and the behavioural dispositions of physical things. This theory differs from other 'properties-first' approaches in two main ways. First, it views properties as Platonic universals, which exist even if they are not instantiated by anything. Second, the theory rejects the popular idea that properties are identical with, or essentially dependent upon, dispositions. Instead, Modal Platonism views properties as qualities which necessarily ground dispositions and other modal phenomena. This theory solves a range of philosophical puzzles regarding dispositions and laws. Given that laws of nature are a necessary precondition for scientific enquiry, Modal Platonism promises to provide a plausible metaphysical framework for all natural science.
PART I. THE CORE THEORY: MODAL PLATONISM
1 The Scope and Aims of This Book: Properties, Laws, and Dispositions
2 The Platonic Theory of Dispositional Directedness
3 Against Dispositional Essentialism: A Grounding Theory of Natural Modality
4 Solving the Entailment and Governance Problems
5 Dissolving the Problem of Latent Dispositions
6 Objections and Replies
PART II. PUTTING PLATONISM TO WORK
7 Instantiation and Repeatability: A Platonic Approach
8 Probabilistic Laws
9 Determinable Laws
10 Extending Modal Platonism
11 Summary
Appendix I: Logical Proofs of Chapter Four