Nature's Capacities and Their Measurement

Ever since David Hume, empiricists have barred powers and capacities from nature. In this book Cartwright argues that capacities are essential in our scientific world, and, contrary to empiricist orthodoxy, that they can meet sufficiently strict demands for testability. Econometrics is one discipline where probabilities are used to measure causal capacities, and the technology of modern physics provides several examples of testing capacities (such as lasers). Cartwright concludes by applying the lessons of the book about capacities and probabilities to the explanation of the role of causality in quantum mechanics.Cartwright, Nancy is the author of 'Nature's Capacities and Their Measurement', published 1989 under ISBN 9780198244776 and ISBN 0198244770.