C. B. Martin’s two-sided theory of properties revisited

In my thesis, I will revisit C. B. Martin’s (1993) early two-sided theory of properties. He abandons it, but perhaps prematurely, and I will give it another try. I will evaluate property two-sidedness against monism, dualism, and eventually, Martin’s later identity theory. As will become apparent, his early view has greater explanatory power. Two-sided qualitative-dispositional properties clarify causation and the behavior of objects. I will show it by considering shapes, sizes, colors, and masses that belong to desks, mirrors, walls, and rooms. I will consider hazmat, hazardous materials, and their impact. Take flammables, such as gasoline, that burn on contact with flame. Thickened gasoline, as sticky jelly, burns slower and longer, however. Additionally, it adheres to surfaces and resists suppression. Reliably and predictably, it spreads far and burns everything it touches, which is down to its properties. In my thesis, I will investigate the nature of physical properties, incendiary, liquid, and other.