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Powers, processes, and time
- Publication Year :
- 2022
-
Abstract
- In this paper I argue that even the most radical metaphysics of powers (such as that adopted by Mumford and Anjum, Cartwright, or Groff) are compatible with eternalism. I first offer a taxonomy of powers ontologies, and attempt to characterise the difference between moderate and radical powers ontologies—the latter are characterised by an emphasis on production and dynamicity. I consider an argument by C. Friebe to the effect that the productive character of powers is inconsistent with Eternalism and find it wanting. I then elucidate the notion of dynamicity that radical powers theorists employ by making apparent their link with an ontology of irreducible processes. Finally, I respond to an argument by Donatella Donati to the effect that eternalism entails a reductive account of change which is inconsistent with process ontologies, and show that the the two are compatible. I conclude that we have no reason to think that radical powers metaphysics (and, a fortiori, every powers ontology) are not compatible with eternalism.
- Subjects :
- Eternalism
Logic
Philosophy
05 social sciences
Metaphysics
06 humanities and the arts
B Philosophy (General)
Ontology (information science)
050905 science studies
0603 philosophy, ethics and religion
Epistemology
Character (mathematics)
Argument
Taxonomy (general)
060302 philosophy
0509 other social sciences
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- Database :
- OpenAIRE
- Accession number :
- edsair.doi.dedup.....8e7a64a60ea985215500a11eb34493fd