I—Fundamental Powers, Evolved Powers, and Mental Powers. (4th June 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bird, Alexander
• Is Part Of: Supplement to the proceedings of the Aristotelian Society. Volume 92(2018)
• Page Start: 247
• Page End: 275
• Publication Date: 2018-06-04
• Subjects: Philosophy -- Periodicals; Philosophy -- Congresses; Periodicals; 100
• DOI: 10.1093/arisup/aky006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0309-7013

Abstract

Abstract: Powers have in recent years become a central component of many philosophers' ontology of properties. While I have argued that powers exist at the fundamental level of properties, many other theorists of powers hold that there are also non-fundamental powers. In this paper I articulate my reasons for being sceptical about the existing reasons for holding that there are non-fundamental powers. However, I also want to promote a different argument for the existence of a certain class of non-fundamental powers: properties which have natural selection to thank for their existence and nature. Such properties will include functional properties of organisms, and so may also include their mental properties.