Abstract

RIVEROS, Pablo César. David Lewis's Metaphysics of Laws of Nature. Prax. filos. [online]. 2010, n.31, pp.73-87. ISSN 0120-4688.

In this paper I will try to present an appropriate conception of David Lewis's theory about metaphysics of laws of nature. In order to achieve this, I will study some of the elements of Lewis's metaphysical conception about the world, which form the context in which he proposes his theory about laws of nature. This study allows me to hold that in Lewis's theory about laws of nature there is one realistic component and there is another that is not realistic. According to Lewis, a generalization is a law of nature iff this is true and a part of the best theoretical system about the world. A true generalization is true by virtue of the realistic component: a regularity in particular facts. And a true generalization can be or cannot be a law by virtue of the component that is not realistic: the best theoretical system about the world. If a true generalization is included in that system, this is a law of nature. If a true generalization is not included in that system, this is just a true generalization. After presenting Lewis's theory, I will examine how good this theory is. In order to achieve this, I will study if the theory accounts for some of the most extended opinions about laws of nature.

Keywords : laws of nature; David Lewis; regularity; metaphysics; true generalization.

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