<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p>Dispositional essentialism maintains that all sparse properties are essentially powerful. Two conceptions of sparse properties appear compatible with dispositional essentialism: sparse properties as pure powers or as powerful qualities. This paper compares the two views, criticizes the powerful qualities view, and then develops a new theory of pure powers, termed Point Theory. This theory neutralizes the main advantage powerful qualities appear to possess over pure powers—explaining the existence of powers during latency periods. The paper discusses the relation between powers and space-time points, whether pure powers need to occupy space, and how to account for the movement of pure powers through space-time. Given Point Theory, dispositional essentialists should maintain that sparse properties are pure powers.</p></abstract>

Dispositional essentialism maintains that all sparse properties are essentially powerful. Two conceptions of sparse properties appear compatible with dispositional essentialism: sparse properties as pure powers or as powerful qualities. This paper compares the two views, criticizes the powerful qualities view, and then develops a new theory of pure powers, termed Point Theory. This theory neutralizes the main advantage powerful qualities appear to possess over pure powers—explaining the existence of powers during latency periods. The paper discusses the relation between powers and space-time points, whether pure powers need to occupy space, and how to account for the movement of pure powers through space-time. Given Point Theory, dispositional essentialists should maintain that sparse properties are pure powers.

Dispositional Essentialism and the Nature of Powerful Properties

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{"article-title":"Dispositional Essentialism and the Nature of Powerful Properties"}

Dispositional essentialism maintains that all sparse properties are essentially powerful. Two conceptions of sparse properties appear compatible with...

Dispositional Essentialism and the Nature of Powerful Properties

Published Online: Dec 31, 2018

Page range: 1 - 19

Received: Aug 08, 2012

Accepted: Jan 30, 2013

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/disp-2013-0001

Keywords
Dispositions, Powers, Powerful Qualities, Essentialism, Sparse Properties

© 2013 William A. Bauer, published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

Dispositional Essentialism and the Nature of Powerful Properties

Published Online: Dec 31, 2018

Page range: 1 - 19

Received: Aug 08, 2012

Accepted: Jan 30, 2013

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/disp-2013-0001

KeywordsDispositions, Powers, Powerful Qualities, Essentialism, Sparse Properties

© 2013 William A. Bauer, published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

Keywords
Dispositions, Powers, Powerful Qualities, Essentialism, Sparse Properties