ARMSTRONG’S THEORY OF LAWS AND CAUSATION: PUTTING THINGS INTO THEIR PROPER PLACES Cover Image

ARMSTRONG’S THEORY OF LAWS AND CAUSATION: PUTTING THINGS INTO THEIR PROPER PLACES
ARMSTRONG’S THEORY OF LAWS AND CAUSATION: PUTTING THINGS INTO THEIR PROPER PLACES

Author(s): S. M. Hassan A. Shirazi
Subject(s): Metaphysics, Philosophy of Law
Published by: Vilniaus Universiteto Leidykla
Keywords: David Armstrong; laws; causation; truthmakers; Alexander Bird;

Summary/Abstract: Armstrong’s theory of laws and causation may be articulated as something like the following, which we may refer to as the received view: “Laws are intrinsic higher-order relations of ensuring (necessitation) between properties. The instantiation of laws is identical with singular causation. This identity is a posteriori.” Opponents and advocates of this view, believe that it may fairly and correctly be attributed to Armstrong. I do not deny it; instead I seek to reconsider the received view, specifically by treating it as a part of Armstrong’s metaphysics. The main features that should concern us are truthmaker theory and the formal account of the constitutive parts of states of affairs. I also discuss Bird’s ultimate argument against Armstrong and show how its impact is weakened by this proper reading.

  • Issue Year: 2018
  • Issue No: 94
  • Page Range: 61-70
  • Page Count: 10
  • Language: English