Nature's Metaphysics Laws and Properties [Hardcover]

Nature's Metaphysicsargues 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.

1. Introduction - laws and properties
2. Dispositions
3. Dispositional essentialism and the laws of nature
4. Categoricalism
5. Dispositional essentialism, modality, and intentionality
6. The regress objection
7. Structural properties
8. The illusion of nomic contingency
9. Are there any laws, and if so what are they?
10. Concluding remarks
References

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 Metaphysicsis 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