BHA: References

[Ruth Groff <rgroff@xxxxxxxx>]

Hi all,

First of all, Mervyn I wanted to thank you for drawing attention to the new book on CR and Social Science.  It looks very good; I went and ordered one immediately.

Second, I wanted to thank Ronny again (if you ever got computer access again ...) for drawing our attention to Ellis [and Copi (full references in a sec -- sorry Dick, for the delay)].  My understanding of the metaphysical issues involved in critical realism has been aided so profoundly by my exposure to that literature ... I just can't say.  If your offer for copies of your dissertation is still good, I definitely want one!

Here are some crucial references: Brian Ellis, *Scientific Essentialism*, Cambridge, 2001;  a whole set of articles, including one by Ellis called "Causal Powers and Laws of Nature" in H. Sankey (ed.), *Causation and Laws of Nature*, Kluwer, 1999; Irving M. Copi, "Essence and Accident," originally published in The Journal of Philosophy, November 1954, re-printed in Stephen Schwartz (ed.), *Naming, Necessity and Natural Kinds*, Cornell, 1977.

Ellis' bibliography alone is invaluable.

Finally -- though this isn't exactly a reference -- I have now managed to get my hands on Harre and Madden's *Causal Powers* (seems to be out of print, but I succeeded in scrounging up a library copy).  I know that others of you have read it.  I wonder if anyone would be willing to share their thoughts about what they see as different or distinctive about transcendental realism, relative to Harre and Madden's discussion.

Warmly,
Ruth



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