more from Gilbert Ryle

Single Idea 14300

[catalogued under 8. Modes of Existence / C. Powers and Dispositions / 7. Against Powers]

Full Idea

The old error treating the term 'Force' as denoting an occult force-exerting agency has been given up in the physical sciences.

Gist of Idea

No physical scientist now believes in an occult force-exerting agency

Source

Gilbert Ryle (The Concept of Mind [1949], V (1))

Book Reference

Ryle,Gilbert: 'The Concept of Mind' [Penguin 1949], p.113


A Reaction

Since 1949 they seem to have made a revival, once they are divested of their religious connotations. The word 'agency' is the misleading bit. Even Leibniz's monads weren't actual agents - he always said that was 'an analogy'.