Derivative Properties in Fundamental Laws

Orthodoxy has it that only metaphysically elite properties can be invoked in scientifically elite laws. We argue that this claim does not fit scientific practice. An examination of candidate scientifically elite laws like Newton’s F = ma reveals properties invoked that are irreversibly defined and thus metaphysically non-elite by the lights of the surrounding theory: Newtonian acceleration is irreversibly defined as the second derivative of position, and Newtonian resultant force is irreversibly defined as the sum of the component forces. We think that scientists are happy to invoke metaphysically non-elite properties in scientifically elite laws for reasons of convenience, such as to simplify the equations and to make them more modular. On this basis, we draw a deflationary moral about laws themselves, as being merely convenient summaries. 1. Introduction2. Orthodoxy 2.1. Orthodoxy stated2.2. Orthodoxy explained2.3. A worrisome commitment: Term objectivism3. The Loose View 3.1. The argument from practice3.2. Finding the scientifically elite equations3.3. Diagnosing the metaphysically non-elite properties3.4. Situating our challenge4. Newtonian Mechanics 4.1. Newtonian acceleration4.2. Newtonian resultant force4.3. A metaphysical discovery?5. Objections 5.1. Metaphysically elite after all?5.2. Scientifically non-elite after all?5.3. But our world is not Newtonian!6. Consequences 6.1. Consequences for the motivations for link6.2. Consequences for metaphysically elite properties6.3. Consequences for lawhood Introduction Orthodoxy 2.1. Orthodoxy stated2.2. Orthodoxy explained2.3. A worrisome commitment: Term objectivism Orthodoxy stated Orthodoxy explained A worrisome commitment: Term objectivism The Loose View 3.1. The argument from practice3.2. Finding the scientifically elite equations3.3. Diagnosing the metaphysically non-elite properties3.4. Situating our challenge The argument from practice Finding the scientifically elite equations Diagnosing the metaphysically non-elite properties Situating our challenge Newtonian Mechanics 4.1. Newtonian acceleration4.2. Newtonian resultant force4.3. A metaphysical discovery? Newtonian acceleration Newtonian resultant force A metaphysical discovery? Objections 5.1. Metaphysically elite after all?5.2. Scientifically non-elite after all?5.3. But our world is not Newtonian! Metaphysically elite after all? Scientifically non-elite after all? But our world is not Newtonian! Consequences 6.1. Consequences for the motivations for link6.2. Consequences for metaphysically elite properties6.3. Consequences for lawhood Consequences for the motivations for link Consequences for metaphysically elite properties Consequences for lawhood