Single Idea 14295

[catalogued under 9. Objects / D. Essence of Objects / 11. Essence of Artefacts]

Full Idea

Thermostats, thermometers, axes, spoons, and batteries have dispositional essences, which make them what they are.

Gist of Idea

Many artefacts have dispositional essences, which make them what they are

Source

Stephen Mumford (Dispositions [1998], 01.2 iv)

Book Reference

Mumford,Stephen: 'Dispositions' [OUP 1998], p.8


A Reaction

I would have thought that we could extend this proposal well beyond artefacts, but it certainly seems particularly clear in artefacts, where a human intention seems to be inescapably involved.