Nature's Capacities and Their Measurements (Clarendon Paperbacks) - Softcover

Cartwright, Nancy

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0198235070 ISBN 13: 9780198235071

Publisher: Clarendon Press, 1994

Synopsis

Ever since David Hume, empiricists have barred powers and capacities from nature. In this book Cartwright argues that capacities are essential in our scientific world, and, contrary to empiricist orthodoxy, that they can meet sufficiently strict demands for testability. Econometrics is one discipline where probabilities are used to measure causal capacities, and the technology of modern physics provides several examples of testing capacities (such as lasers). Cartwright concludes by applying the lessons of the book about capacities and probabilities to the explanation of the role of causality in quantum mechanics.

About this title

About the Author:

Nancy Cartwright is at London School of Economics and Political Science.

Review:

`an extremely important and worthwhile book. Cartwright has ventured into exciting but largely unknown philosophical terrain ... all philosophers of causation will profit greatly from her explorations ... she has introduced a number of important new strands to the theory of causation ...
[the] wealth of detail gives the book a depth of purpose which is rare in the philosophy of science.' D. Papineau, British Journal for the Philosophy of Science

`an interesting and original contribution to the realist argument'
L.Jonathan Cohen, Times Higher Education Supplment

`One of the admirable features of the book is its orientation towards constructive solutions to the problems it addresses ... Nature's Capacities and their Measurement provides us with a large variety of reasons for canvassing causal capacities in science. There are some things old, some
things new, and some things borrowed within these covers of Oxford blue, but the whole package is undeniably provocative and thought provoking.'
Paul Humphreys, University of Virginia, for Philosophy and Phenomenological Research

`Cartwright presents a compelling case for the role of capacities in both natural and social science. Her examples strengthen the philosophical points in ways that take us well beyond traditional metaphysical arguments for capacities or dispositions.'
Margaret Morrison, Trinity College, University of Toronto, for Philosophy and Phenomenological Research

`I think that Nancy Cartwright has written an interesting, informative, and penetrating book that defines a promising combination of realism and empiricism in the philosophy of science ... Cartwright's commendable book offers a rich, informed, and coherent approach to a variety of issues and
topics pertaining to empiricism and realism in the philosophy of science.'
Ellery Eells, University of Wisconsin-Madison, for Philosophy and Phenomenological Research

About this edition

• Publisher: Clarendon Press
• Publication date: 1994
• ISBN 10: 0198235070
• ISBN 13: 9780198235071
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 278