Date of Award

2010-01-01

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

Philosophy

Advisor(s)

Juan Ferret

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to draw a clear line that allows us to thoroughly differentiate dispositions from propensities as well as the big problem that clouds both views. I will attempt to offer an account of the main issues that this properties face. I start by offering a general account of dispositions. In this account I offer a brief analysis of what it is to be a disposition. The distinction between categorical and dispositional property is explored. I move on to explain the evolution of the conditional analysis, as well as the problems it faces. The next point has to do with the move from ascription to causation in the literature on dispositions. The transition between sections is brought up with the issue of renormalization and the change of conditions in the stimulus-manifestation relation. This issue of the change of conditions, or renormalization of systems, shows that this change of conditions seems to keep relapsing us into a disconnected picture of cause and effect. In the second section a general account of propensities is drawn. I offer different views within the propensity view, such as the one offered by Popper, Gillies, Mellor and others. The main problem for propensities is illustrated in terms of the duplication of conditions. In the third section I point out the main differences between dispositions and propensities. To finalize some helpful similarities found in both properties are analyzed in order to direct inquiry in terms of renormalization of systems. In the fourth section I explain the possible ways in which this discussion can go being one of them further research into probabilistic causation and the difference between systems before measurement and systems after measurement.

Language

en

Provenance

Received from ProQuest

File Size

34 pages

File Format

application/pdf

Rights Holder

Alejandra Olivas-Davila

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