Prescribing laws to nature. Part I. Newton, the pre-Critical Kant, and three problems about the lawfulness of nature

Michela Massimi

doi:10.1515/kant-2014-0023

Published by De Gruyter December 1, 2014

Prescribing laws to nature. Part I. Newton, the pre-Critical Kant, and three problems about the lawfulness of nature

Michela Massimi

From the journal Kant-Studien

https://doi.org/10.1515/kant-2014-0023

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Abstract:

This paper traces the early reflections of the pre-Critical Kant on laws of nature back to Newton’s governing conception of laws. Three problems with the Newtonian conception are identified. I argue that in the attempt to provide a solution to them, in 1763 Kant came to forge a novel governing conception of laws. Key to Kant’s novel view are the notions of ground and its determinations. The role of these two notions in delivering the nomological necessity, explanatory power, and unity of the laws of nature is discussed and analysed.

: laws of nature; governing conception of laws; Newton; pre-Critical Kant

Published Online: 2014-12-1

Published in Print: 2014-12-1

Prescribing laws to nature. Part I. Newton, the pre-Critical Kant, and three problems about the lawfulness of nature

Abstract:

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