Intrinsic properties of concrete objects are simultaneously dispositional and qualitative: properties are powerful qualities. This ‘surprising identity’ can be motivated by considering liabilities of the alternatives: properties as pure powers, as pure qualities, as both pure powers and pure qualities, and as contingently empowered qualities. Identity suggests itself when ‘higher-level’ powers are relocated in ‘lower-level’ realizers.
Keywords: D. M. Armstrong, aspect, categorical property, disposition, dual-aspect, functionalism, identity, C. B. Martin, Meinongianism, power, quality