Single Idea 4403

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / C. Causation / 1. Causation]

Full Idea

We cannot distinguish between good and bad explanations of some phenomena, unless we first distinguish between causal and non-causal explanations.

Gist of Idea

We can't base our account of causation on explanation, because it is the wrong way round

Source

Stathis Psillos (Causation and Explanation [2002], Intro)

Book Reference

Psillos,Stathis: 'Causation and Explanation' [Acumen 2002], p.11


A Reaction

This seems right, but it pushes us towards the idea that causation is non-analysable, and must be taken as a metaphysically basic axiom. If naturalistic accounts fail, that may be only alternative.