Nature's Capacities and Their Measurement

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.


Author: Nancy Cartwright
Publisher: Clarendon Press
Published: 05/19/1994
Pages: 280
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.76lbs
Size: 8.45h x 5.43w x 0.73d
ISBN: 9780198235071

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