Cookies?
Library Header Image
LSE Research Online LSE Library Services

Powers: the no-successor problem

Pemberton, John (2021) Powers: the no-successor problem. Journal of the American Philosophical Association, 7 (2). 213 - 230. ISSN 2053-4477

[img] Text (Pemberton_powers-the-no-successor-problem--published) - Published Version
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution.

Download (392kB)
Identification Number: 10.1017/apa.2020.13

Abstract

This essay considers the implications for the powers metaphysic of the no-successor problem: As there are no successors in the set of real numbers, one state cannot occur just after another in continuous time without there being a gap between the two. I show how the no-successor problem sets challenges for various accounts of the manifestation of powers. For powers that give rise to a manifestation that is a new state, the challenge of no-successors is similar to that faced on Bertrand Russell's analysis by causal relations. Powers whose manifestation is a processes and powers that manifest through time (perhaps by giving rise to changing through time) are challenged differently. To avoid powers appearing enigmatic, these challenges should be addressed, and I point to some possible ways this might be achieved. A prerequisite for addressing these challenges is a careful focus on the nature and timing of the manifesting and manifestation of powers.

Item Type: Article
Official URL: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of...
Additional Information: © 2021 The Authors
Divisions: LSE
CPNSS
Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > B Philosophy (General)
Date Deposited: 23 Apr 2021 14:48
Last Modified: 16 Nov 2024 03:30
URI: http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/110216

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item

Downloads

Downloads per month over past year

View more statistics