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Cosmic hylomorphism

Published version
Peer-reviewed

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Type

Article

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Authors

Simpson, William M. R.  ORCID logo  https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6734-5711

Abstract

Abstract: The primitive ontology approach to quantum mechanics seeks to account for quantum phenomena in terms of a distribution of matter in three-dimensional space (or four-dimensional spacetime) and a law of nature that describes its temporal development. This approach to explaining quantum phenomena is compatible with either a Humean or powerist account of laws. In this paper, I offer a powerist ontology in which the law is specified by Bohmian mechanics for a global configuration of particles. Unlike in other powerist ontologies, however, this law is not grounded in a structural power that is instantiated by the global configuration. Instead, I combine the primitive ontology approach with Aristotle’s doctrine of hylomorphism to create a new metaphysical model, in which the cosmos is a hylomorphic substance with an intrinsic power to choreograph the trajectories of the particles.

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Keywords

Paper in Philosophy of the Natural Sciences, Powers in the world of science, Primitive ontology, Quantum mechanics, Powers, Hylomorphism

Journal Title

European Journal for Philosophy of Science

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

1879-4912
1879-4920

Volume Title

11

Publisher

Springer Netherlands
Sponsorship
John Templeton Foundation (61507)