Whittle, Ann Katherine;
(2000)
Properties and causal powers.
Masters thesis (M.Phil), UCL (University College London).
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Abstract
In this thesis, I defend and develop Shoemaker's account of properties (causalism). This states that monadic properties should be characterised relationally, i.e. by their causal powers or interactions with other entities. I begin by clarifying the proposal. Shoemaker presents causalism as a metaphysical thesis. Closer examination, however, suggests that it would be better understood as analogous to Lewis' account of theoretical terms, since it leaves metaphysical questions concerning the nature of properties open. Most other expositions of causalism misrepresent it by describing it as a thesis within the dispositions debate. This damages causalism by unnecessarily tying the thesis to irrelevant and unwanted claims.Having outlined causalism's central commitments, I look at the argumentative considerations that can be offered in support of it. I argue that Shoemaker's defence of causalism is inadequate, hencc, the thesis requires alternative support. The basis of this will be causalism's commitment to the claim that the laws are metaphysically necessary. I argue that anyone who wants to offer a non-Humean account of laws, should endorse this thesis. Next, I make a suggestion concerning how we might try to develop Shoemaker's account. I argue that the thesis can offer a plausible account of properties, since it needn't be seen to contravene the grounding intuition (namely, the thought that any relational properties an object has, should flow from the combination of its intrinsic properties and those of other objects). We can identify properties with causal powers while still grounding them in objects, because causal powers warrant the same treatment. I suggest that tropes provide a good candidate for realising the metaphysical grounding role of properties and causal powers. Finally, I show how a modified version of causalism allows us to present an attractive account of the causal relation, encompassing the insights of both singularism and generalism.
| Type: | Thesis (Masters) |
|---|---|
| Qualification: | M.Phil |
| Title: | Properties and causal powers |
| Open access status: | An open access version is available from UCL Discovery |
| Language: | English |
| Additional information: | Thesis digitised by ProQuest. |
| Keywords: | Philosophy, religion and theology; Causal powers |
| URI: | https://discovery-pp.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10106273 |
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