Product guide

Powers: A History (Oxford Philosophical Concepts)

Powers: A History (Oxford Philosophical Concepts) traces philosophical accounts of powers and dispositions from antiquity to the present. Its chapters address how these concepts explain change and natural activity, with four reflection essays drawing on other disciplines.

At a glance

Focuses on powers and dispositions as metaphysical explanations of why things change and act in particular ways.
Covers thinkers from antiquity through the present, including Plato, Leibniz, Cavendish, Shepherd, Kant, and Hegel.
Includes four short reflection essays addressing music, West African religions, chemistry, and art.

Price

$28.80Save 36%

Reference price: ~~$44.99~~

Price checked: Nov 14, 2026

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Pros and cons

Pros

Offers a historical scope spanning ancient thought to contemporary analytic metaphysics.
Connects a specialized metaphysical topic to perspectives from four other disciplines.

Technical specifications

9 specifications

Publication
Publisher	Oxford University Press
Publication date	May 14, 2021
Edition	1st
Language	English
Print length	336 pages

Identifiers
ISBN-10	0190925523
ISBN-13	978-0190925529

Dimensions and installation
Weight listed	13.6 ounces
Dimensions	8.2 x 0.9 x 5.4 inches

What to know before buying

The listed details identify a first English-language edition with 336 pages. The description emphasizes a specialist history of metaphysical powers, so readers seeking a general introduction to philosophy may find the subject narrower than expected.

Who is it for?

A good fit for

Readers studying metaphysics, powers, dispositions, or explanations of natural change.
Researchers interested in the historical development of philosophical concepts and cross-disciplinary reflection.

Less suited to

Readers looking primarily for a broad survey of philosophy or a practical guide to everyday topics.

Frequently asked questions

What is the book about?

It examines the history of powers and dispositions as metaphysical concepts used to explain natural changes and activities.

Which periods and thinkers does it cover?

The description says it spans antiquity to the present and names thinkers including Anaxagoras, Plato, the Stoics, Leibniz, Margaret Cavendish, Mary Shepherd, Kant, and Hegel.

Does it include perspectives beyond philosophy?

Yes. The listing describes four short reflection essays concerning history of music, West African religions, history of chemistry, and history of art.