Description

Nature's Metaphysics argues that a satisfactory philosophy of science requires a metaphysics that is based on the understanding that causal properties are essentially dispositional properties. Alexander Bird develops and defends a dispositional essentialist account of the laws of nature, and also examines dispositional accounts of explanation, causation, ceteris paribus laws, substances and kinds. Professional philosophers and advanced students working in metaphysics and the philosophy of science will find this book both provocative and stimulating.

Features

• Written by a leading figure in the field
• Offers original research at the cross-roads of metaphysics and the philosophy of science
• Challenges deep-seated metaphysical intuitions

Reviews

"This is a rewarding book. In terms of area, it has one foot firmly planted in metaphysics and the other just as firmly set in the philosophy of science. Nature's Metaphysics is distinctive for its thorough and detailed defense of fundamental, natural properties as essentially dispositional and for its description of how these dispositional properties are thus suited to sustain the laws of nature as (metaphysically) necessary truths."--John W. Carroll, Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews

Product Details

200 pages; 9 3/8 x 6 1/4; ISBN13: 978-0-19-922701-3ISBN10: 0-19-922701-2

About the Author(s)