Causal Powers and the Intentionality Continuum
Causal Powers and the Intentionality Continuum
Why does anything happen? What is the best account of natural necessity? In this book, William A. Bauer presents and defends a comprehensive account of the internal structure of causal powers that incorporates physical intentionality and information. Bauer explores new lines of thought concerning the theory of pure powers (powerful properties devoid of any qualitative nature), the place of mind in the physical world, and the role of information in explaining fundamental processes. He raises probing questions about physical modality and fundamental properties, and explores the possibility that physical reality and the mind are unified through intentionality. His book will be valuable for researchers and students working in metaphysics, philosophy of science, and philosophy of mind.
- Raises probing questions about physical modality and fundamental properties, central topics in contemporary metaphysics of science
- Explores the possibility that physical reality and mind are unified through intentionality
- Defends a comprehensive account of the internal structure of powers using the concepts of physical intentionality and information, thereby opening space for future debate
Reviews & endorsements
'Bauer's monograph marks a significant and original contribution to the rapidly expanding literature on dispositionalism. Well-informed, clearly written, and composed with an eye to interdisciplinary linkages (for instance to information theory and philosophy of religion), this work deserves a wide audience across multiple philosophical sub-disciplines.' Travis Dumsday, Concordia University
Product details
October 2022Adobe eBook Reader
9781009214872
0 pages
This ISBN is for an eBook version which is distributed on our behalf by a third party.
Table of Contents
- Introduction: the metaphysics of powers and the 3d account
- Part I. Why Powers?:
- 1. The need for powers: three models of physical modality
- 2. The reality of pure powers
- Part II. What Are Powers Like?:
- 3. Powers from the inside: physical intentionality
- 4. A defense of physical intentionality: essential marks
- 5. A defense of physical intentionality: additional marks and objections
- 6. Powers from the inside: information
- 7. Powers from the outside: systems of powers and the appearance of qualities
- 8. Nature's intentionality continuum.
