Bauer and Dispositional Properties

What is the correct analysis of dispositional properties, or powers? Any analysis of powers in terms of conditional statements is subject to the problem of prevention, in which the conditions of manifestation of a power are satisfied yet the manifestation does not occur. An alternative conceptualization of powers is that they
are directed towards their manifestations. This is not an analysis per se, but it does provide a useful starting point. What is it about powers such that they are directed? My answer is information. In this paper I formulate what I call the informational analysis of powers. I develop the informational analysis and argue that it helps
explain the directedness of powers.

-William Bauer

Philosophy Colloquium Series information can be found here.

The lecture will be at 4:30PM in Withers Hall, Room 344 on March 20, 2012. Come one, come all!