Powers: The No-Successor Problem

Pemberton, John

Abstract

This essay considers the implications for the powers metaphysic of the no-successor problem: As there are no successors in the set of real numbers, one state cannot occur just after another in continuous time without there being a gap between the two. I show how the no-successor problem sets challenges for various accounts of the manifestation of powers. For powers that give rise to a manifestation that is a new state, the challenge of no-successors is similar to that faced on Bertrand Russell's analysis by causal relations. Powers whose manifestation is a processes and powers that manifest through time (perhaps by giving rise to changing through time) are challenged differently. To avoid powers appearing enigmatic, these challenges should be addressed, and I point to some possible ways this might be achieved. A prerequisite for addressing these challenges is a careful focus on the nature and timing of the manifesting and manifestation of powers.

Citation

Pemberton, J. (2021). Powers: The No-Successor Problem. Journal of the American Philosophical Association, 7(2), 213-230. https://doi.org/10.1017/apa.2020.13

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Feb 1, 2021
• Online Publication Date: Mar 18, 2021
• Publication Date: 2021-06
• Deposit Date: Sep 26, 2024
• Journal: Journal of the American Philosophical Association
• Print ISSN: 2053-4477
• Electronic ISSN: 2053-4485
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 7
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 213-230
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/apa.2020.13
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/2486866