Ordinary language and scientific discourse are filled with linguistic expressions for
dispositional properties such as soluble elastic reliable and humorous. We characterize
objects in all domains physical objects as well as human persons with the help of dispositional
expressions. Hence the concept of a disposition has historically and systematically played a
central role in different areas of philosophy ranging from metaphysics to ethics. The
contributions of this volume analyze the ancient foundations of the discussion about
disposition examine the problem of disposition within the context of the foundation of modern
science and analyze this dispute up to the 20th century. Furthermore articles explore the
contemporary theories of dispositions. offershistorically informative and up-to-date
contributions on a subjectbordering onepistemology metaphysics and philosophy ofthe mind
especiallyof interest to students andacademics in the following fields: philosophy linguistics
history of science
