Abstract

Many authors have proposed that grounding is closely related to metaphysicallaws. However, we argue that no existing theory of metaphysical laws is sufficientlygeneral. In this paper we develop a general theory of grounding laws, proposing thatthey are generative relations between pluralities of propositions and propositions.We develop the account in an essentialist language; this allows us to state preciselythe sense in which grounding might be reduced to laws. We then put the theory touse in showing how moral laws can play a role in grounding particular moral facts,in defending monism about ground, and in showing in what sense there is no gapbetween the grounds and the grounded. Finally, we make a novel proposal aboutwhat grounds facts about ground.