Stephen Mumford puts forward a new theory of dispositions, showing how central their role in metaphysics and philosophy of science is. Much of our understanding of the physical and psychological world is expressed in terms of dispositional properties - from the spin of a subatomic particle and the solubility of sugar to a person's belief that zebras have stripes. Mumford discusses what it means to say that something has a property of this kind, and how dispositions can possibly be real things in the world. They have seemed to many to reside on the fringes of actuality, waiting to manifest themselves; Mumford's clear, straightforward, realist account reveals them to be far less enigmatic, and shows that an understanding of dispositions is essential to an understanding of properties, causation, and scientific laws.
Reviews
Review from previous edition Stephen Mumford's book Dispositions does much more than just expound his contribution to the wider debate on dispositions. Here is all you will need to know about that debate as it stands ... clearly and intelligently explained. * Alexander Bird, British Journal for the Philosophy of Science *
Mumford's Dispositions is packed full of argument and analyses of all the issues concerning dispositions and the major contributions in the existing literature. This will certainly top the list of such contributions for some time to come. It is the book I would recommend to anyone wanting to get up-to-speed on this important topic. Its style is clear and pleasing. And Mumford's own views are an important contribution to the area. * Alexander Bird, British Journal for the Philosophy of Science *
Mumford's book is the most detailed and seriously worked out study of dispositions yet * Wolfgang Malzkorn, Erkenntnis *
Mumford's theory is an interesting account of dispositions which comes very close to the true nature of those amazing and important properties * Wolfgang Malzkorn, Erkenntnis *
'Dispositions' reads pretty easily in part because it is free of the technical notation that is so tempting to introduce and in part because it is extremely well written and produced. Mumford also reveals his deep understanding of the philosophical problem of dispositions in that the book stays focused on the most imperative matters, never straying to pet issues more amenable to advancement. * The Philosophical Review, vol.110, no.1 *
Stephen Mumford confronts the toughest and most important metaphysical issues about dispositions. * The Philosophical Review, vol.110, no.1 *



Book Information
ISBN 9780199259823
Author Stephen Mumford
Format Paperback
Page Count 264
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Weight(grams) 323g
Dimensions(mm) 215mm * 138mm * 14mm