Powers Without Essences: A Metaphysical Foundation for the Natural Necessity of Laws of Nature

Thème : OLOFOS

Résumé : This paper presents a dualist neo-Aristotelian metaphysics of laws of nature, based on categorical properties and causal powers. Scientific laws are understood as propositions belonging to empirically confirmed scientific theories, which describe regularities and refer solely to categorical properties. The natural necessity of these laws, along with their corresponding counterfactuals, is grounded in the instantiation of specific causal powers, identified by their manifestations. Given that the instantiation of powers is contingent, natural necessity is distinct from logical necessity. Powers themselves are not directly observable, making them metaphysical entities, though belief in their existence is justified through ordinary experience. This metaphysical framework supports the natural necessity of scientific laws, thereby justifying their status as laws of nature, without relying on essences and substantial natural kinds.

The paper also addresses some challenges to this approach, specifically regarding the grounding of the natural necessity of conservation and functional laws.