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Chapter 2 - The Reality of Pure Powers

from Part I - Why Powers?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 October 2022

William A. Bauer
Affiliation:
North Carolina State University
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Summary

This chapter explores possible differences between powerful qualities and pure powers, argues for the Pure Powers Model, and discusses the problem of being for pure powers. It is argued that powerful qualities are modally indistinguishable from pure powers but have a denser nature. Since pure powers are ontologically simpler than powerful qualities yet equally explanatorily relevant to modality, we should reject powerful qualities. After rejecting the Powerful Qualities Model, the reality of pure powers is defended. If pure powers are to provide a stable basis for physical modality, the problem of their being or grounding during periods of nonmanifestation needs resolution. It is argued that pure powers are self-grounded. A regress argument advanced by Stathis Psillos, which challenges the self-grounding of pure powers, is deflected. Lastly, Point Theory is developed to explain the self-grounding of pure powers.

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Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2022

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  • The Reality of Pure Powers
  • William A. Bauer, North Carolina State University
  • Book: Causal Powers and the Intentionality Continuum
  • Online publication: 13 October 2022
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009214858.005
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  • The Reality of Pure Powers
  • William A. Bauer, North Carolina State University
  • Book: Causal Powers and the Intentionality Continuum
  • Online publication: 13 October 2022
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009214858.005
Available formats
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To save content items to your account, please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account. Find out more about saving content to Google Drive.

  • The Reality of Pure Powers
  • William A. Bauer, North Carolina State University
  • Book: Causal Powers and the Intentionality Continuum
  • Online publication: 13 October 2022
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009214858.005
Available formats
×