Single Idea 4073

[catalogued under 17. Mind and Body / E. Mind as Physical / 5. Causal Argument]

Full Idea

Causal overdetermination is when an effect has more than one cause, and each event would have caused the effect if the other one had not done so.

Gist of Idea

Overdetermination occurs if two events cause an effect, when each would have caused it alone

Source

Tim Crane (Elements of Mind [2001], 2.13)

Book Reference

Crane,Tim: 'Elements of Mind' [OUP 2001], p.49


A Reaction

Overdetermination is a symptom that an explanation is questionable, but it can occur. Two strong people can join to push over a light hatstand.