The metaphysics of laws: dispositionalism vs. primitivism

TL;DR

This paper compares dispositionalism and primitivism regarding laws of nature, highlighting clearer distinctions in classical mechanics and advantages of dispositionalism in quantum mechanics and modern physics.

Contribution

It clarifies the distinction between the two views in classical mechanics and argues for dispositionalism's advantages in quantum and contemporary physics.

Findings

Clear distinction in classical mechanics

Dispositionalism has advantages in quantum mechanics

Dispositionalism better aligns with modern physics

Abstract

The paper compares dispositionalism about laws of nature with primitivism. It argues that while the distinction between these two positions can be drawn in a clear-cut manner in classical mechanics, it is less clear in quantum mechanics, due to quantum non-locality. Nonetheless, the paper points out advantages for dispositionalism in comparison to primitivism also in the area of quantum mechanics, and of contemporary physics in general.