Single Idea 4796

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / D. Laws of Nature / 4. Regularities / b. Best system theory]

Full Idea

In the 'web-of-laws' approach, laws are those regularities that are members of a coherent system of regularities, in particular, a system that can be represented as a deductive axiomatic system, striking a good balance between simplicity and strength.

Gist of Idea

Laws are sets of regularities within a simple and strong coherent system of wider regularities

Source

Stathis Psillos (Causation and Explanation [2002], §5.6)

Book Reference

Psillos,Stathis: 'Causation and Explanation' [Acumen 2002], p.149


A Reaction

Psillos attribute this view to Mill, Ramsey and Lewis. It is the obvious candidate for a fully developed Humean empiricist system, where regularities reinforce one another. I think laws are found in mechanisms, not in regularities, which are symptoms.