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Laws of Nature: Beyond Generalizations
- Laws of nature, like Newton's laws of motion, appear to hold a distinct position in science.
- They are not merely generalizations but possess a unique status, prompting inquiry into what separates them from ordinary generalizations.
Generalizations vs. Laws
- All pens in a room being above three feet is a true generalization but lacks law status.
- Similarly, all humans living under 125 years, though potentially true, seems contingent and lacks law-like necessity.
Necessity of Natural Laws
- Some philosophers argue laws of nature aren't mere generalizations; they govern how things must behave.
- This "modal status" suggests necessity, distinguishing how things behave from how they must behave, raising metaphysical questions.