winniethepooh wrote:Since the laws of physics, not some arbitrary decision, have determined the general form of
applied-art objects, they follow basic patterns, so much so that functional forms can vary
only within certain limits.
What does the word 'they' refer to?

my 2cents:

"they" is ambiguous here. "they" should refer to the "objects" for sentence to standalone.

If this sentence has been taken from some passage then "they" can refer to some other plural subject being talked of in the passage, conveying the meaning that
"since the laws have determined X, THEY follow Y."

In that case I am posting the passage here:

". . . These laws are universal in their application, regardless of cul -
tural beliefs, geography, or climate. If pots have no bottoms or have large openings in
their sides, they could hardly be considered containers in any traditional sense. Since the
laws of physics, not some arbitrary decision, have determined the general form of
applied-art objects, they follow basic patterns, so much so that functional forms can vary
only within certain limits . . . "

What do you say now?
Why do you say it is 'objects'?

I think 'they' in they 'follow basic patterns' should refer to "applied-art objects" as 'they' follow 'objects' directly and it makes sense. If 'they' in this sentence is the same as 'they' in the previous sentence, 'they' refers to 'laws' (in particular 'laws of physics'), 'the laws of physics' CAN'T follow basic patterns.
How do you think ?