The Bare Metaphysical Possibility of Bare Dispositions

Author: McKitrick J.

Source: Philosophy and Phenomenological Research, Volume 66, Number 2, 1 March 2003 , pp. 349-369(21)

Publisher: International Phenomenological Society

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Abstract:

Many philosophers hold that all dispositions must have independent causal bases. I challenge this view, hence defending the possibility of bare dispositions. In part 1, I explain more fully what I mean by "disposition," "causal basis," and "bare disposition." In part 2, I consider the claim that the concept of a disposition entails that dispositions are not bare. In part 3, I consider arguments, due to Prior, Pargetter, and Jackson, that dispositions necessarily have distinct causal bases. In part 4, I consider arguments by Smith and Stoljar that there can't be bare dispositions because they would make for unwelcome "barely true" counterfactuals. In the end, I find no reason to deny the possibility of bare dispositions.

Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 2003-03-01

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